Research Corner - A classification of radicular grooves from the perspective of periodontology

This month’s précis of a recently published article has been kindly written by Dr Kitty Guo.

A classification of radicular grooves from the perspective of periodontology.

The authors of this paper present a case series on radicular grooves and propose a classification system aiming to guide treatment planning.

This classification is based on both the position of the groove alongside the periodontal and endodontic condition of the tooth.  The classification presented is well illustrated with 8 cases ranging from simple non-surgical resin restoration to flap elevation, root surface sealing and guided tissue regeneration.

They have additionally included 12 month pocket depth re-evaluation demonstrating reduction in pocket depth across all cases. This paper should be interpreted within the limitations inherent to a case series design, nevertheless, it offers a clear and well documented framework that adds meaningfully to the management of radicular grooves. 

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