Dens evaginatus: a diagnostic and treatment challenge.
BACKGROUND
Dens evaginatus, or DE, is an uncommon dental anomaly, in which an extra cusp or tubercle protrudes from the occlusal surface of posterior teeth, as well as the lingual surface of anterior teeth. Tubercles frequently are susceptible to fractures and pulpal complications.


METHODS
A 9-year-old Hispanic girl presented for six emergency visits over a five-week period. Her chief complaint was of pain associated with a maxillary primary second premolar. Clinically, the tooth appeared to be noncarious, but it had an abnormal-appearing root. It was extracted after the patient presented with a left facial cellulitis.


CONCLUSIONS
DE often challenges the practitioner with its frequent and early pulpal complications. The signs and symptoms in this case resulted in a difficult diagnosis and limited treatment options.
Stecker
Shelly
S
University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, USA. stec0023@tc.umn.edu
DiAngelis
Anthony J
AJ
D001641:Bicuspid / Q000002:abnormalities*; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000002:abnormalities; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000150:complications; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000002:abnormalities; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000002:abnormalities*