Dens evaginatus: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Dens evaginatus (DE) is a developmental disturbance that clinically appears as an accessory occlusal tuberculated cusp composed of enamel and dentin, enclosing a thin pulp tissue. It mainly involves the mandibular premolars. These cusp-like protrusions are susceptible to wear and fractures with subsequent pulp exposure leading to pulpal necrosis. In most cases, DE is discovered due to periapical inflammation in the absence of obvious clinical presentation of caries, trauma, or other pathologies, thus making it a diagnostic challenge. A case of nonvital tooth with an obscured DE in an 18-year-old male is reported here with a review of literature.

Keywords

• dens evaginatus
• dental anomaly
• immature apex
• leong's premolar