case_images: PMC11759573_01
case_images: Palatal groove at the first visit with visible suppuration.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.001.jpg
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case_images: fig1
case_images: Intraoral examination revealed a visible developmental groove on the upper left lateral incisor, associated with a 7-mm pocket and pus discharge where the groove was deepening apically (Figure 1).
case_images: Radiographic image of the tooth revealing normal periradicular tissues with intact lamina dura surrounding the root and a uniform PDL space.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.002.jpg
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case_images: fig2
case_images: Periradicular tests (percussion and palpation) yielded negative results and radiographic examination revealed normal periradicular tissues with intact lamina dura surrounding the root and a uniform PDL space (Figure 2).
case_images: Palatal groove after nonsurgical therapy with probe inserted into the pocket.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.003.jpg
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case_images: fig3
case_images: Tooth #2.2, which remained vital (Figure 3). Therefore, the decision was made to proceed with surgical intervention to eliminate the remaining pocket and improve plaque control by the patient, preventing recurrence and worsening in the indicated site.
case_images: Palatal flap elevated after intrasulcular incision extended to mesial and distal teeth. Visible deposits on the root surface and in the groove.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.004.jpg
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case_images: fig4
case_images: An intrasulcular incision was made exclusively on the palatal side of the tooth, extending to the two teeth mesial and distal to it by vertically dissecting the two papillae (Figure 4).
case_images: Root surface and groove after thorough cleaning and debridement.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.005.jpg
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case_images: fig5
case_images: Once the flap was raised, the area was meticulously degranulated, and the root surface was cleaned, revealing the developmental groove in its entire length, which extended up to the middle third of the root without continuing further to the apex (Figure 5).
case_images: Palatal surface of the tooth after flattening the area where the palatal groove previously existed.
case_images: CRID2025-5562567.006.jpg
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case_images: fig6
case_images: The palatal surface of the tooth along which the groove was located was then flattened using a flame-shaped diamond bur and moved side to side until the groove disappeared, leaving a flat surface (Figure 6).
case_images: Flap sutured back in position.
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case_images: fig7
case_images: After thorough irrigation with a saline solution, the flap was sutured back into position with two interrupted points on the papillae (Figure 7).
case_images: Healing at 2 weeks.
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case_images: fig8
case_images: The soft tissues appeared healthy, without swelling or bleeding, with two scars still visible corresponding to the incision lines on the papillae (Figure 8).
case_images: Healing at 6 months with reduced probing depth of 3 mm.
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case_images: fig9
case_images: At 6 months, the soft tissues were completely healed, and probing at the midpalatal point revealed a pocket depth of only 3 mm (Figure 9).