Endodontic and aesthetic management of a conoid tooth with type IIIA dens invaginatus

Dens invaginatus is a dental developmental abnormality caused by an infolding of the enamel organ into the adjacent dental papilla before the calcification of the dental tissues. The clinical presentation of dens invaginatus varies according to its severity, from mild forms, in which we might find a deeper than normal cingulum pit, to severe cases, in which there is a pronounced infolding reaching the apical foramen. The very nature of the invagination favours the contamination from the oral environment to the pulp space and the onset of caries. Therefore, patients might present with symptoms or signs of pulpitis and/or apical periodontitis. The aim of this paper is to present the successful endodontic and restorative management of a conoid shaped upper lateral incisor, affected by dens invaginatus type IIIA.

A 13-year-old girl was referred to our office for endodontic and aesthetic treatment of the right upper lateral incisor, which was asymptomatic. Clinical, radiographic and photographic examinations were performed. The diagnosis of this tooth was dens invaginatus, Oehlers type IIIA with chronic apical periodontitis. Full isolation and magnification were used to achieve correct endodontic management of the aberrant internal anatomy of the tooth. Ultrasonic tips and a combination of manual and mechanical instruments were used for cleaning and shaping. Warm vertical condensation technique was used for sealing the canal system. As the final restoration it was chosen an indirect composite crown bonded to the tooth surface with minor preparation and using an adhesive technique. Radiographic healing and satisfaction of the aesthetic needs was achieved up to 5 years from completion of treatment.

This case report shows the successful outcomes of a complex case based on proper diagnosis and correct treatment strategies for arresting the progression of apical periodontitis in challenging internal anatomies, as well as the fulfillment of a young patient aesthetic needs.