Dens invaginatus or dens in dente

Dens Invaginatus

Dens Invaginatus can occur in deciduous or in permanent teeth. The coronal portion of the tooth folds inward and typically becomes non-vital. The condition is also called "dens in dente" or a tooth within a tooth. Non-vital teeth need to be treated by dental extraction or by root canal therapy.

Clinical cases



Purulent discharge ("puss") was                        Dental radiograph of the tooth.
observed above this abnormal canine
tooth.

Mucogingival flap exposed the
abnormal tooth.



Alternate view.                                                   The coronal portion was not
                                                                           attached to the root.



A hypodermic needle was use to                     Dental radiograph demonstrate the
locate the underlying root structure.                orientation of the root.

A dental elevator was used to demonstrate
the proximity of the premolar root to the
anamalous tooth root. The adjacent premolar
teeth were extracted to allow access to the
anamalous root.



A keyhole approach through the maxilla           Further exposure.
allowed access to the anamalous root.



The anamalous root was supported by         Anamalous root extracted.
sterile gauze sponges to avoid pushing
the root into the respiratory tract.



Dental radiograph confirmed complete             Alternate view.
dental extraction.



Tooth submitted to a pathologist for                   Surgical defect closed in two layers.
histology (tissue evaluation). Histology
confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of
Dens en dente.

Abnormal or anamalous teeth