The prevalence of anterior teeth with dens invaginatus in the western Mediterranean region of Turkey.

AIM: To assess the prevalence and type of dens invaginatus in anterior teeth of a selected population and to report associated dental complications.
METHODOLOGY: The records of patients examined in the Department of Paedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey between 1999 and 2006 were screened and a total of 2477 patients who had complete records with satisfactory radiographs were selected. The type of dens invaginatus and the presence of apical pathosis was determined from radiographs. Other dental abnormalities, syndromes and systemic diseases were noted. Variations in crown shape were also recorded.
RESULTS: Dens invaginatus was detected in 300 out of 2477 patients, with a prevalence of 12%; 82% of affected patients had dens invaginatus bilaterally. Maxillary lateral incisors were the most affected teeth. The majority of the teeth had normal crown morphology (95%). The most commonly seen type of dens invaginatus was type I (94%). Overall 33% of the patients with type III dens invaginatus and 4% of the patients with type II dens invaginatus had apical pathosis. No associations with other systemic diseases and syndromes and some limited association with hypodontia and dens evaginatus were detected.
CONCLUSION: A careful oral examination, radiographs, a suitable treatment plan and follow-up programme are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment for teeth with dens invaginatus.