Management of supernumerary teeth depends on the type and position of the tooth. Immediate removal of mesiodens is usually indicated in the following situations; inhibition or delay of eruption, displacement of the adjacent tooth, interference with orthodontic appliances, presence of pathologic condition, or spontaneous eruption of the supernumerary tooth. Munns [58] stated that the earlier the mesiodens is removed, the better the prognosis.
There are two methods for extraction of mesiodens; early extraction before root formation of the permanent incisors and late extraction after root formation of the permanent incisors [11]. Some authors recommend extraction of mesiodens in the early mixed dentition in order to facilitate spontaneous eruption and alignment of the incisors [59–61].
There is controversy in the literature regarding the time of removal of any unerupted mesiodens. The immediate removal versus delay in surgical intervention following root development of the central incisor and the lateral incisor about the age of eight to 10 years has been mentioned [62].
In order to promote eruption and proper alignment of adjacent teeth, it is recommended to extract mesiodens in the early mixed dentition, which may reduce the need for orthodontic treatment. It might take six months to three years for an unerupted tooth to erupt after removal of the mesiodens [58]. Henry and Post [63] suggested delayed extraction of the mesiodens about the age of 10 when the apex of the central incisor nearly forms. If treatment is postponed after this age, more complex surgical and orthodontic treatment may be necessary. The type and position of the unerupted tooth, the space available in the dental arch, in addition to the stage of root development may influence how long it takes for an impacted tooth to erupt after surgical removal of the mesiodens.
Garvey recommended monitoring of mesiodens in the following situations; satisfactory eruption of the succeeding teeth, absence of any associated pathologic lesions and risk of damage to the vitality of the related teeth. It has also been recommended to keep unerupted symptomless mesiodens, which do not affect the dentition. These teeth, which are usually found by chance, are better left in place under observation [64].
Clinician should consider patient condition in the final decision, however a recent study of Yagüe-García et al [65] emphasized that the early removal of the supernumerary teeth in order to prevent complications is the treatment of choice.