Morphological analysis of palatogingival grooves in an Iraqi population: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

INTRODUCTION. The palatogingival groove is a developmental anomaly of maxillary anterior teeth that may heighten susceptibility to periodontal and endodontic diseases. This study examined the prevalence and morphological features of the palatogingival groove in an Iraqi population utilizing cone beam computed tomography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study assessed cone beam computed tomography scans from 500 patients (250 males and 250 females) collected between 2020 and 2025. Only high-quality image of both maxillary anterior teeth was used. Any image with restorations, root canal treatment, resorption, deep caries, or artifacts. Two calibrated examiners independently evaluated the presence of the palatogingival groove, tooth distribution, laterality, and morphology in accordance with Gu’s classification.

RESULTS. The palatogingival groove was found in 7.8% of patients, and it was more common in males (5.8%) than in females (2%). The maxillary lateral incisors were the most affected (7.4%), while the central incisors and canines were the least affected (0.2% each). Bilateral the palatogingival groove was noted in 1.2% of cases, occurring solely in lateral incisors. All grooves were categorized as Type I. There was a very high level of agreement between observers (κ = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS. The palatogingival groove is a fairly common anatomical difference in Iraq, mostly affecting the maxillary lateral incisors and showing up as unilateral Type I grooves. Recognizing this anomaly is important for making an accurate diagnosis and planning treatment.

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