Palatal Radicular Groove Morphology of the Maxillary Incisors: A Case Series Report

Teeth with a palatal radicular groove are challenging to diagnose, treat, and save. We classified this condition using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) cross-sectional configurations combined with radiographic and morphologic observations during an intentional replantation procedure to identify and analyze the characteristics of palatal radicular grooves comprehensively as a reference for diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis evaluation of this condition.

Eight cases with palatal radicular grooves present in permanent maxillary incisors were investigated by radiography and CBCT imaging before intentional replantation.

The palatal radicular grooves were classified into 3 types based on groove depth and cross-sectional shape on CBCT images: type I, with a shallow groove depth, corresponding to a normal, simple, and single root canal; type II, with a medium groove depth, corresponding to a C-shaped canal system; and type III, with a deep groove depth, almost bisecting the root of the tooth, simultaneously present with 2 independent root canals and an apex with normal shape, corresponding to a labial groove connecting with a palatal groove. The extracted teeth and their radiographic images showed corresponding characteristics.

The CBCT cross-sectional images allowed the best visualization of the depth of the grooves and highlighted the difficulties entailed in treating such teeth. Intentional replantation is an effective therapeutic decision for this type of deformity and can provide better prognosis estimation, especially in teeth with type II and III grooves.