# Dens in dente is most commonly seen in:

  # Dens in dente is most commonly seen in:

A. Premolars

B. Paramolars

C. Lateral incisors

D. Maxillary canine

The correct answer is C. Lateral incisors.

Also known as dens in dente or tooth within a tooth, dens invaginatus is an uncommon tooth anomaly that represents an exaggeration or accentuation of the lingual pit.

This defect ranges in severity from superficial, in which only the crown is affected, to deep, in which both the crown and the root are involved. The permanent maxillary lateral incisors are most commonly involved, although any anterior tooth may be affected. Bilateral involvement is commonly seen. The cause of this developmental condition is unknown. Genetic factors are believed to be involved in only a small percentage of cases.

Dens evaginatus is a relatively common developmental condition affecting predominantly premolar teeth (Leung’s premolars).

Reference: Regezi, Sciubba, Jordan; Oral Pathoogy: Clinical Pathologic correlations.