Dens Evaginatus

Dens evaginatus involves an outfolding of the enamel organ in such a way that the occlusal surface of the affected posterior tooth has a tuberculated appearance. When these evaginations are fractured off, pulpal exposure may result. Few familial cases have been reported. However, a genetic basis was supported by Bixler (1976) on the following grounds: 1) the anomaly has been found almost only in persons of Mongoloid ancestry, although it has been observed in all parts of the world, and 2) the prevalence in persons of mixed Mongoloid ancestry is lower than in 'pure' groups. Stewart et al. (1978) observed dens evaginatus in several members of a family of Guatemalan Indian descent. Father and 2 daughters were affected.