Radicular dens invaginatus in a mandibular premolar: cone-beam computed tomography findings of a rare anomaly

Abstract

Dens invaginatus is a rare developmental anomaly and its etiology remains controversial. Radicular dens invaginatus is an unusual dental anomaly. The aims of this paper are to report the radiographic and tomographic findings of a case of radicular dens invaginatus and to discuss the relevant features associated with this dental anomaly. A 16-year-old female was referred to a private oral radiology clinic for orthodontic evaluation. Radiographically, a morphological alteration to the root portion of the right mandibular first premolar and the presence of a discrete radiolucent periapical lesion were observed. The diagnosis was only elucidated after cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The CBCT images revealed enlargement of the root, and a dilated invagination with limited enamel that had its open site along the lateral portion of the root without evidence of buccal and lingual expansion. The diagnosis of radicular dens invaginatus was then established.