Dens Invaginatus
Pronunciation: denz in-vaj-ih-NAY-tus
A developmental anomaly in which the enamel organ invaginates into the dental papilla during tooth formation, creating an infolding within the crown or root.
Full Definition
Dens invaginatus, formerly called 'dens in dente,' is a malformation resulting from an infolding of the inner enamel epithelium before calcification, producing a tooth-within-a-tooth appearance on radiographs. The most commonly affected tooth is the maxillary lateral incisor. The anomaly ranges from a minor pit on the cingulum (Type I) to complex root invaginations communicating with the periapical tissues (Type III), predisposing the tooth to early pulpal necrosis due to bacterial ingress. Editors should ensure the Latin term is italicised at first use in accordance with standard biomedical style, and that the archaic synonym 'dens in dente' is noted as a deprecated term.
Usage
Usage note: Italicise at first use. The synonym 'dens in dente' should be labelled as deprecated or archaic in current clinical writing.
In Context
- "The maxillary right lateral incisor displayed a Type II dens invaginatus on the periapical radiograph, with no current periapical pathology." — Endodontic case report
- "Italicise 'dens invaginatus' at first mention as it is a Latin anatomical term; subsequent uses may remain in roman type per journal style." — Style guide note