Relationship between dental follicle, gubernacular canal and developmental theories in supernumerary teeth from different regions of the jaws

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the characteristics of dental follicle and gubernacular canal (GC) in supernumerary teeth from different regions of dental arches, using CBCT scans of non-syndromic patients, and associate with developmental theories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample was composed of CBCT scans of 408 intraosseous supernumerary teeth. The characteristics of the supernumerary teeth, the relationship of their follicular space with adjacent teeth, and the presence or absence of the GC were assessed. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables among supernumerary teeth from different regions, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Isolated follicles were more frequent in the maxillary molar region (77.3%), follicles with contact relationships in the mandibular incisor region (42.9%), and fused follicles in the maxillary incisor region (25.8%). Furthermore, the detection rate of the GC varied from 15% to 59%, depending on the region of the dental arch. Most incisors were associated with the theory of complete dichotomy. In the premolar region, the most frequent theory was that of dental lamina hyperactivity. CONCLUSION: The relationship between follicle characteristics and the GC underlies the formulation of hypotheses regarding different development theories of supernumerary teeth. Thus, we can hypothesize that supernumerary teeth in the premolar region most commonly arise from dental lamina hyperactivity, whereas in other regions, the dichotomy theory may best explain their development, especially in the maxilla. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding GC patterns in supernumerary teeth may help clinicians anticipate tooth behavior and its relationship with adjacent teeth, leading to more accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.