National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is the dental term for a tooth within a tooth?

1. Dens en dente

2. Hypoplastic enamel

3. Amelogenesis imperfecta

4. Tooth gemination

The correct answer is: Dens en dente

Dens en dente refers to a condition where a tooth forms within another tooth, resembling a smaller tooth encased within the larger one. This phenomenon typically occurs during the development of the tooth and is most commonly seen in permanent teeth. The etiology involves an invagination of the enamel organ, leading to the formation of a smaller tooth structure inside the main tooth. This condition can present challenges for dental practitioners, including increased susceptibility to caries, periodontal issues, and the possibility of complications during endodontic treatment. Understanding this term is essential in dental assisting, as recognizing such anomalies is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. The other options relate to different dental conditions: hypoplastic enamel refers to a developmental defect that affects the enamel quality; amelogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder affecting enamel formation; and tooth gemination involves the incomplete division of a single enamel organ leading to a larger, bifid tooth. While these conditions are important in the field of dentistry, they do not specifically describe the formation of a tooth within a tooth, which is the defining characteristic of dens en dente.