Palatogingival groove mimicking as a mutilated root fracture in a maxillary lateral incisor: a case report

This article presents a case of a palatogingival groove (PPG) in tooth No. 12 that was misdiagnosed as a mutilated root fracture. A PPG is a developmental anomaly that predisposes a tooth to a severe periodontal defect. The initial diagnosis of mutilated root fracture on tooth No. 12 was made solely from radiographs that showed a vertical and horizontal radiolucent line with a radiolucent halo-shaped bone resorption in relation to the root apex. Transillumination, bite test, surgical visualization of the site, and the use of high-end diagnostic modalitieswere not considered prior to the final diagnosis. PPG was confirmed only after the tooth was extracted and observed under a dental operating microscope.