Dens Evaginatus on Occlusal Surface of Maxillary Second Molar: A Case Report

Abstract

Dens evaginatus is a rare dental anomaly characterized by the development of a tubercle on the occlusal surface of the tooth and can cause pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and periapical periodontitis due to tubercular fracture or attrition. Unlike with caries, pain caused by dens evaginatus may manifest itself in a distant location. Therefore, diagnosing the cause of that pain may prove problematic. Dens evaginatus usually occurs in the mandibular premolars. We report a successfully treated case in which dens evaginatus was difficult to diagnose due to distant radiation of pulpitis-induced pain. This pain occurred as a result of fracture of a tubercle located on the occlusal surface of the maxillary second molar, which is very rare.