title: Palatal radicular groove: clinical implications of early diagnosis and surgical sealing.
abstract: Palatal radicular groove is a discreet alteration in tooth morphology, characterized by an invagination that begins near the cingulum of the tooth and moves in an apical direction. Clinically, palatal radicular groove may be associated with periodontal and/or endodontic problems. This paper describes a clinical case of a young patient with palatal radicular groove with no signs of periodontal disease or endodontic impairment. An early diagnosis was made and treatment consisted of surgical sealing of the defect. After a 2-year period, reexaminations demonstrated adequate hygiene, maintenance of tooth vitality and periodontal health. The early diagnosis and sealing of the groove observed surgically made the root surface smooth, avoiding subgingival bacterial plaque buildup, and preventing possible periodontal and/or pulp impairment stemming from the defect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil. patricia.faria08@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Corr A-Faria
authors.forename: C E P
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Alcântara
authors.forename: C R R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ramos-Jorge
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D014071:Tooth Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements