Evaluation of Morphology and Prevalence of Palatogingival Grooves on Affected Maxillary Anterior Teeth using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: Palatogingival groove (PG), a developmental anomaly, originates in cingulum and extends to varying distances apically. It is an ideal pathway for oral bacteria to invade periodontal tissues causing periodontal damage, pulp necrosis, apical periodontitis and endo-periodontal deformity which is not easily perceived until sinus tract infection appears in mouth. It presents a challenge to most clinicians as it requires an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. Aim and Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of palatogingival grooves (PGs) in maxillary anterior teeth on CBCT. Materials and Methods: CBCT examinations of 707 teeth in 120 patients (Female-41, Male-79) were evaluated retrospectively. Maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canine were investigated for the presence or absence of PGs and PG type using the Gu classification (type I, II, or III). 3D CBCT images were used for evaluation of PGs. Radiographic features of PGs were noted and differences were evaluated and results were obtained. Differences was considered significant for p ≤ 0.05. Results: The PGs were observed in 61 teeth. Type 1 PG is found more prevalent in males (30.37%) than in females (12.19%) followed by type 2(male-12.65%, females-4.87%) and type 3 (male-3.75%). Higher prevalence for Type 1 PG was seen in the lateral incisor followed by central incisor and canine and had a male predominance. Type 2 PG showed equal prevalence for lateral & central incisor and male predominance. Type 3 PG showed higher prevalence for lateral incisors and male predominance. Conclusion: Prevalence of PGs was found to be 8.62%. PG facilitate bacterial colonization leading to periodontitis, pulp necrosis and endo-periodontal lesion in an apparently normal tooth which pose challenges in its diagnosis and management for survival of tooth.