Intentional replantation combined root resection therapy for the treatment of type III radicular groove with two roots: A case report

BACKGROUND: A radicular groove is an anatomic malformation that usually initiates at the central fossa, extending along the root at varying lengths and depths and predisposes the involved tooth to a severe periodontal defect. Severe grooves that extend to the root apex often lead to complex combined periodontal-endodontic lesions. They are a serious challenge for doctors to diagnose and treat. CASE SUMMARY: In this report, we described a patient with a maxillary lateral incisor with a deep palatogingival groove with two roots, which led to complex combined periodontal-endodontic lesions. Suggested treatment modalities included curettage of the affected tissues, elimination of the groove by grinding and/or sealing with a variety of filling materials, and surgical procedures. In this case, a combination of endodontic therapy, intentional replantation, and root resection were used, which resulted in periodontal/periradicular healing after 12 mo. CONCLUSION: Intentional replantation and root resection offer a predictable procedure and should be considered a viable treatment modality for the management of palatogingival grooves, especially for two-rooted teeth.