Non-Surgical Root Canal Resolves Rare Mandibular Molar Malformation in Teenager: Case Report
Spain: In a recently published case report in the Journal of Endodontics, researchers from Spain have detailed the successful non-surgical management of a rare and complex dental anomaly—Dens Invaginatus (DI)—in a mandibular first molar of a teenage boy, emphasizing the value of conservative treatment paired with advanced diagnostic imaging.
The case involved a 14-year-old boy who presented with pain and swelling in the lower right molar region, specifically tooth #30. Upon examination, the tooth exhibited an unusual crown shape but no visible signs of decay. Despite these atypical features, the tooth remained firm with normal periodontal probing depths. Further investigation through intraoral radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed the presence of Oehlers’ Type II Dens Invaginatus—an uncommon developmental anomaly where enamel and dentin fold into the pulp cavity—and a large radiolucent area around the root, indicative of periradicular pathology.
The patient’s medical history was also noteworthy. Born prematurely at 32 weeks, he had undergone intrauterine feto-fetal blood transfusion and had experienced both stroke and respiratory arrest at birth. Despite these early health complications, he was in good general health at the time of evaluation.
Given the complexity of the case, a conservative, non-surgical approach was selected. Root canal therapy was carried out with precision to thoroughly clean and disinfect the canal system, which is often complicated in teeth affected by DI due to their highly variable internal anatomy. The root canal system was subsequently sealed with a biocompatible filling material, ensuring long-term integrity.
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