Palatogingival Groove — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardPeriodontologyPalatogingival GrooveNDEB AFK

Which of the following teeth is most likely to have a lingual developmental groove extending from the cingulum onto the root surface, predisposing it to localised periodontal defects?

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Correct answer: A — Maxillary lateral incisor

The maxillary lateral incisor most commonly has a palatogingival (lingual/palatal) groove — a developmental groove extending from the cingulum pit down the palatal root surface. This groove acts as a plaque trap, creating a localised deep probing depth and bone loss that mimics an isolated periodontal defect or endodontic-periodontal lesion. Management may include odontoplasty (smoothing/opening the groove), guided tissue regeneration, and root canal treatment if pulp involvement is suspected.

Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019