Palato-gingival groove: A silent nidus. Recognition and an innovative management approach: A report of 3 cases

Abstract

Developmental anomalies are one of the challenging clinical conditions to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Among these, Palatogingival groove [PGG] is a rare developmental anomaly usually found on the palatal aspect of maxillary anterior teeth. As self-cleansing is difficult in such patients, it can lead to serious localized periodontal lesion or can occur in combination with endodontic lesion. It is our sole responsibility being a specialist in the field of dentistry, to early diagnose and provide treatment for such conditions. On the basis of PGG extension to the pulp, it can be classified as simple or complex; accordingly, plethora of treatment options are available. Clinically taking interdisciplinary treatment modalities into consideration, curettage of the involved gingival tissues, elimination of the groove by grinding (saucerization), or by sealing with a Biocompatible material which might enhance the healing potential. Incase if the groove extends beyond the middle-third of the root, surgical flap debridement along with combined use of barrier membrane and alloplastic bone graft are recommended.This article represents a rare clinical case reports in management of PGG defect with an innovative conservative approach for simple, minimal groove extensive case and groove extension beyond 1/3 of the root region, treated with surgical multi-interdisciplinary approach.