The labiogingival notch: an anatomical variation of clinical importance.
BACKGROUND
The labiogingival notch is a developmental phenomenon affecting the maxillary central incisors. Clinically, it can be easily misdiagnosed and improperly treated. Thus, it is important for dentists to recognize this condition.


METHODS
The authors describe two cases of misdiagnosed labiogingival notch on a maxillary central incisor. In one case, the notch was misinterpreted as a carious lesion and placement of a restoration was advised. In the second case, external resorption was suspected and forced eruption of the incisor was requested. In both cases, no treatment was needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Misdiagnosis of this developmental phenomenon may lead to unnecessary invasive interventions. Because of this, clinicians need to be aware of this clinical variant.
Ben-Bassat
Y
Y
Department of Orthodontics, HU-Hadassah SDM, Jerusalem, Israel. yocheved@md.huji.ac.il
Brin
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000175:diagnosis