Pulp revascularization of immature dens invaginatus with periapical periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Dens invaginatus is a rare developmental malformation of a tooth caused by the invagination of the tooth crown before biological mineralization occurs. The complex anatomy of these teeth makes nonsurgical endodontic treatment difficult and more so when there is presence of periapical periodontitis with open apex. The endodontic treatment of dens invaginatus is a challenge, especially in the case of periapical periodontitis with open apex. Pulp revascularization is a conservative endodontic treatment that has been introduced in recent years. Presented here is a variant approach for the treatment of immature dens invaginatus type II with periapical periodontitis, which combines filling of the invagination and pulp revascularization.
METHODS: After accessing the pulp chamber, the main canal and the invagination were explored. The root was thoroughly disinfected by irrigating and medication, invagination was filled, and the main canal was revascularized. Then the coronal sealing was made by glass ionomer cement and composite resin. Radiograph taken regularly and computed tomography scan were used to investigate the healing of the periapical lesion and development of the root.
RESULTS: In the subsequent follow-up, the periapical lesion was completely eliminated, the open apex was closed, and the wall of the root was thickened.
CONCLUSIONS: For type II immature dens invaginatus with large periapical lesion, conservative endodontic treatment should be considered before periapical surgery. With sufficient infection control, pulp revascularization can be an effective alternative method.