Palato-radicular groove, diagnosis and management-a case report

Palato-radicular groove (PRG) is one of the rare developmental anomalies of maxillary incisor teeth, primarily maxillary lateral incisor. It usually begins in the central fossa, crosses the cingulum and extends to varying distance apically, possibly reaching the root apex. Its clinical relevance comes into picture once there is associated lack of epithelial closure which makes it an important niche for microbes. The accurate diagnosis of groove as an initiator of pathology, along with its depth and relation to pulp cavity is the pre-requisite for successful management. This report describes an unusual case of mesially oriented PRG on maxillary lateral incisor and an interdisciplinary approach towards the decision making process and successful management.