A Case of Dens in Dente

A case of dens in dente was observed in the upper right lateral incisor in 38 year-old male. X-ray examinations of jaw showed the presence of radiopaque image of tooth-like form in the interior of the tooth and a radiolucent area in the alveolar bone near the root apex. Histo-pathologic examinations on the extracted tooth showed the presence of two layers of enamel and dentin tissues within the inner walls of the original tooth. Both enamel and dentin layers were evidently the invagination of those of outer tooth and extended as far as half of the root length. The enamel substance of the outer tooth was histologicallsound like that of ordinary tooth, but the one of the inner enamel layer showed sign of poor calcification. The dentin of the outer tooth also showed normal appearance in structure with its dentinal tubules well mineralized, but the invaginated layer of dentin showed a different appearance in structure with no sign of mineralization. The pulp tissue was almost entirely lost by necrosis. The cementum of the outer tooth was normally deposited.