In vitro analysis of extracted dens invaginatus using various radiographic imaging techniques

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

Dens Invaginatus (DI) is a rare malformation of the teeth, showing a broad spectrum of morphologic variations. The aim
of this study was to perform in vitro radiographic analyses of three extracted dens invaginatus (DI) teeth with complex root anatomy
using plain radiographs, CBCT, MRI and micro CT techniques.

Methods

Study Design: Three maxillary lateral
incisors (A, B and C) from two patients were extracted due to poor prognosis and were radiographically analysed. Initially, conventional
two dimensional digital radiographs were taken. Subsequently CBCT, micro CT and MRI analyses were performed.

Results

According to the Schulze and Brand system of classification, teeth A, B and C were classified as A2, B3 and B2 respectively. To detect
the relationship between the invagination to the oral cavity and pulp chamber, conventional two dimensional radiographs were of no
help. CBCT and MRI images were found to be complementary to each other but provided lesser structural detail than micro CT images.

Conclusion

Reporting on these three DI teeth, normal conventional radiographs did not provide detailed structural information
about the malformation due to geometric distortion and lack of information. Even though Oehlers classification system is the most widely
used, classification by Schulze and Brand is more applicable in rare and deviant teeth.

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