Root canal treatment of dens invaginatus and fused tooth

;A dental developmental anomaly is defined as an isolated aberration in tooth form, caused by a disturbance or abnormality which occurred during tooth development. There are numerous types of dental anomalies, and a considerable variation in the extent of the defects occurs with each type. Teeth with these anomalies pose unique challenges. Since the defects are not always apparent clinically, they can confuse diagnosticians investigating the etiology of pulpal pathosis. When endodontic treatment is required, the defects often hinder access cavity preparation and canal instrumentation. Treatment planning also becomes more challenging, since the defects can create complicated periodontal problems, and the malformed teeth can be difficult to restore, particularly those weakened by endodontic therapy. Fusion is defined as the joining of two developing tooth germs resulting in a single large tooth structure. The incidence of fusion is < 1% in the Caucasian population, and it is believed that physical force or pressure produces contact of the developing teeth. Clinically and radiographically, a fused tooth usually appears as one large crown with at least partially separated roots and root canals. There may be a vertical groove in the tooth crown delineating the originally separate crowns. Dens invaginatus is a deep surface invagination of the crown or root that is lined by enamel. Teeth in both maxillary and mandibular arches may be affected, but the permanent maxillary lateral incisor is the tooth most commonly involved. Studies have revealed an incidence ranging from 0.25% to as high as 10%. The invagination ranges from a slight pitting to an anomaly occupying most of the crown and root. The invagination frequently communicates with the oral cavity, allowing the entry of irritants and microorganism either directly into pulpal tissues or into an area that is deparated from pulpal tissues by only a thin layer of enamel and dentin. This continuous ingress of irritants and the subsequent inflammation usually lead to necrosis of the adjacent pulp tissue and then to periapical or periodontal abscesses. If the invagination extends from the crown to the periradicular tissue and has no communication with the root canal system, the pulp may remain vital. Recommended treatment of fused tooth and dens invaginatus has been reported in the endodontic literature. This case report describes the endodontic treatment of a maxillary laterl incisors having fused crown and dens invaginatus.natus.