Type III B dens invaginatus: diagnostic and clinical considerations using 128-slice computed tomography

Endodontic therapy is successful only when thorough knowledge of root canal morphology is understood. Dens invaginatus is malformation of teeth resulting from invagination of tooth before biological mineralization occurs. It is clinically significant with an early pulpal involvement and chronic periapical lesion, which are often associated with this anomaly. The present case report describes a 13-year-old female patient who reported to our institution with complaint of pain and swelling in the right maxillary region. Intraoral examination revealed Ellis Type II fracture of right maxillary central incisor and normal appearing right maxillary lateral incisor. On radiographic examination right maxillary, lateral incisor roots are morphologically altered with an immature apex and a large periradicular lesion. Conventional radiographs help in the assessment of complex root morphology, but certain limitations pertaining to detail of complexity needs for the use of more advance imaging modalities. Complex anatomic variations can best be diagnosed with the use of computed tomography (CT). A combined endodontic and surgical treatment was performed followed by postobturation CT images which were reviewed as axial slices and in volume rendering multiplanar reconstruction. The scope of using spiral CT in the endodontic diagnosis and treatments is increasing as it provides better resolution than other methods.