Management of a Type III dens invaginatus using a combination surgical and non-surgical endodontic therapy: a case...

The aim of this report is to present a case of Type III dens invaginatus in a maxillary lateral incisor with a periapical lesion and its successful treatment using a combination of surgical and non-surgical therapy.

The morphology of the root canal system is unique for individual teeth. A precise understanding of the morphology is very important for a successful root canal treatment. Dens invaginatus is a rare dental anomaly that can give rise to many complex anatomical forms. The complete removal of the diseased pulp tissue can be a challenge for clinicians due to the complexity of internal canal anatomy and may require either non-surgical endodontic therapy alone or that therapy may have to be combined with surgical endodontics to achieve an adequate sealing of the root canal system.

A 22-year-old male presented for evaluation of a recurrent painless sinus tract in the attached gingiva adjacent to the maxillary right lateral incisor. The tooth responded negatively to vitality tests while the right central incisor responded normally. Clinically an anatomical malformation in the crown was detected in the form of an abnormal bulbous contour of the tooth in the palatal region above the cingulum. Radiograph evaluation confirmed the presence of dens invaginatus and a periapical radiolucent lesion. The patient received combined non-surgical and surgical endodontic therapy to achieve a favorable outcome.

Complications presented by Type III dens invaginatus and acute periapical abscess necessitated the use of combined non-surgical and surgical endodontic therapy to attain a favorable seal of the root canal. The prognosis at a six-month post-treatment evaluation appeared to be good.

Dens invaginatus requires an early diagnosis and treatment. It may result in radicular and periapical pathosis requiring a combined non-surgical and surgical endodontic approach to treatment.