Palatogingival Groove - an Endodontic Enigma

Palatoradicular groove is a developmental anomaly which has been implicated as an initiating factor in localized gingivitis and periodontitis. These grooves when further complicated by pulp necrosis can present a diagnostic and treatment planning challenge to the operator. This case report presents a successful management of a case of a maxillary lateral incisor with an associated radicular lingual groove and severe periapical osseous destruction. A combination of endodontic treatment, radiculoplasty to eliminate the radicular lingual groove, and periapical surgery to eliminate the periapical osseous defect was used.