Mesiodens
Pronunciation: mee-zee-oh-DENZ
A supernumerary (extra) tooth located in the midline of the maxilla, between the upper central incisors, which may cause eruption delay, diastema, or displacement of adjacent teeth.
Full Definition
A mesiodens is the most common type of supernumerary tooth, occurring in the premaxillary midline region. It may be erupted or impacted, conical or tuberculate in form, and single or multiple. In orthodontic practice, its detection is significant because an undetected mesiodens can impede incisor eruption or create a central diastema that will not close spontaneously. Editors must spell the term correctly (not 'mesiodents' or 'mesiodens tooth') and note that the plural is 'mesiodentes'. The term must not be used as a synonym for all supernumerary teeth.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'mesiodentes'. Do not append 'tooth' after the term. Not a synonym for supernumerary teeth in general.
In Context
- "Surgical removal of the mesiodens was recommended before commencing orthodontic treatment to allow spontaneous incisor eruption." — Referral letter to oral surgeon
- "The plural form 'mesiodentes' was incorrectly rendered as 'mesiodens teeth' in the draft; the editor corrected this." — Copy-editing note for clinical case series