Relationship between palatoradicular grooves and localized periodontitis

Abstract A total of 404 maxillary lateral and central incisors were examined in a group of 101 individuals comprising 64 males and 37 females for the presence of palatoradicular groove (PRG). The methods used to document the presence of PRO situated at or apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) included clinical probing, flap operation and inspection with the aid of an enlarging oral mirror. PRGs were classified by location in the mesial, distal and midpalatal areas of affected teeth. The plaque index (PII), gingival index (GI) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded on the lingual aspect of the teeth examined. Those PRG with initial PPDs of mm and located at or apical to the CEJ were counted as PRG with PPD. The difference in the PRG location for teeth with and without PPDs was analyzed via the φ² test. The relationship between the presence of a PRG and the patients periodontal health and plaque accumulation were analyzed using the t-test. Results are summarized as follows: (1) the proportional test showed statistical non-significance amongst the sexes; (2) PRGs were greatest in the maxillary lateral incisors when compared to the central incisors; few patients had PRGs in both the maxillary and central incisors; (3) PRGs were most often located in the midpalatal part of affected teeth as opposed to the mesial or distal area; however, more distal and mesial PRGs were associated with PPDs when compared to centrally situated PRGs; (4) a direct statistical relationship was established between the depth, location of PRGs and the GI, P1I and development of PPDs in affected teeth.