Radicular lingual groove: A contributory factor in periodontal pathology

Radicular gingival groove is a developmental anomaly most commonly occurring in the maxillary anterior teeth that acts as a hidden trap in the tooth which accumulates plaque and periodontal pathogens, leading to the formation of periodontal pocket with or without pulpal involvement. The diagnosis of these grooves in terms of radiographic images is very difficult to predict and can only be appreciated as per patient's chief complaint along with clinical examination of periodontal pocket depth with probing and endodontic treatment of tooth if pulpal involvement is present.