Demystifying Dens Invaginatus: Suggested Modification of the Classification based on a Comprehensive Case Series

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Dens invaginatus (DI) is a frequent developmental anomaly affecting maxillary lateral incisors.
• Early diagnosis and successful endodontic management depend on clinical expertise, advanced radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and dental operating microscopes (DOM).

Observation:

• A case series analyzed seven instances of DI in maxillary lateral incisors from global dental practitioners.
• The study focused on understanding the varied morphological patterns of DI and the corresponding treatment protocols used worldwide.

Findings:

• The article details aberrant morphological patterns and diverse clinical management strategies for DI.
• Biomaterials show promise in enhancing post-operative healing in DI cases.
• A proposed modification to the existing DI classification aims to simplify diagnosis and management.

Implications:

• Enhanced diagnostic capabilities using CBCT and DOM are crucial for managing DI's anatomical variations.
• The proposed classification modification can aid clinicians in diagnosing, categorizing, and treating DI more effectively.
• Understanding diverse treatment protocols and the role of biomaterials can improve patient outcomes for dens invaginatus.