Dens invaginatus: aetiology, classification, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment considerations

Dens invaginatus is a malformation of teeth probably resulting from an infolding of the dental papilla during tooth development. Affected teeth show a deep infolding of enamel and dentine starting from the foramen coecum or even the tip of the cusps, and which may extend deep into the root. Teeth most affected are maxillary lateral incisors and bilateral occurrence is not uncommon. The malformation shows a broad spectrum of morphologic variations and frequently results in early pulp necrosis. Root canal therapy may present severe problems because of the complex anatomy of the teeth. Aetiology, prevalence, classification, and therapeutic considerations including root canal therapy, apical surgery and prevention of pulpal involvement are reviewed.