Frequency of the palatogengival groove and morphologic analysis of the root canals of affected teeth before and after root canal preparation

Author(s)

Tiago Novaes Pinheiro

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2006-02-13

Examining board members

Alberto Consolaro; Clovis Monteiro Bramante; Jesus Djalma Pecora

• Advisor: Alberto Consolaro

Abstract

The palatogengival groove represents an anomaly with favorable morphology to the accumulation of microorganisms and possible communication with the pulp chamber, leading to localized periodontal disease, dental caries, pulp and periapical diseases. It was aimed to investigate the origin, the diagnostic means and to collaborate for determination of prognostic measures based on the detection of difficulties with handling of the current clinical situations related to the groove. The frequency in 500 patients was evaluated, correlating the presence of the groove with individual characteristics end its presence in the family of the bearers. Also 20 permanent previously extracted upper incisors with the palatogengival groove were evaluated as to the root canal morphology macro and microscopically, before and after root canal preparation. The relationship of the pulp chamber with the external environment, in these specimens was evaluated. The specimens were observed macroscopically, by means of stereomicroscope, x-ray and analyzed through scanning electronic microscopy before and after root canal preparation using a modified muffle technique from BRAMANTE et al.. The prevalence of the palatogengival groove in 500 patients, was of 19,8%, and the most affected tooth was the upper lateral incisor with 80,4% of prevalence, with unilateral and bilateral manifestation. It was detected the prevalence of 7,8% of groove related diseases. It was not detected differences between gender and skin color, with the presence of the defect. No correlations were observed between the presence of the palatogengival groove and the studied physical characteristics. It was identified the presence of the palatogengival groove in patients of the same family. The analysis of 20 upper incisors with palatogengival groove allowed the identification foramen, foraminas and exposed dentinal tubules in the radicular surface of the groove, communicating the pulp chamber with the periodontal compartment. Alterations in the outline and variations of the type of the cement enamel junction were also detected. The dentin removal produced by root canal instrumentation of the studied teeth was uniform, with no significant differences among the different dentinal walls or in the cervical, medium and apical fragments of the analyzed teeth. The dentinal wall related to the palatogengival groove was thinner before and after the root canal preparation compared with the remaining dentinal walls. (AU)