Definition: Infolding of enamel from the occlusal or incisal surface of a tooth. A more severe infolding which includes 50% of the canal space or more is dens in dente (tooth in a tooth). With dens in dente the affected tooth will still have a general tooth shape. The most severe infolding is referred to as a dilated odontome. This infolding results in a tooth that does not have a general tooth shape.
Radiographic Features:
Location: Most commonly found associated with the maxillary lateral incisors in the root canal.
Edge: Well-defined.
Shape: Inverted teardop shape.
Internal: Radiopaque, radiopacity of enamel.
Other: may be so severe as to enlarge the canal of the root.
Number: Singular with each tooth, may be multiple in the mouth.
(click image to enlarge)
dens invaginatus
(left – with arrow showing infolding of enamel) (right – without arrow)
dens invaginatus
dens invaginatus
