Evaluation of Morphology and Prevalence of Palatogingival Grooves on Affected Maxillary Anterior Teeth Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: An Institutional Retrospective Study

Background This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, morphological types, and distribution patterns of palatogingival grooves (PGGs) in maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish population. Materials and Methods CBCT images of 1,553 patients obtained from the radiology archive of Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry (2021–2022) were retrospectively reviewed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 920 patients (4,012 teeth) were included. The presence, type, and localization of PGGs were assessed using axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Groove types were classified as Type 1, 2, 3A, and 3B; localization was recorded as mesial, distal, or midpalatal. Bilateral and unilateral occurrences were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, Tukey’s HSD, and Cohen’s kappa for intra-observer reliability. Results PGGs were detected in 23.6% of patients and 10.42% of teeth. Lateral incisors were the most affected tooth type (87.56%), followed by central incisors (9.57%) and canines (2.87%). Type 1 grooves were the most common (71.53%), with midpalatal localization being the most frequent (54.07%). Bilateral grooves were significantly more prevalent than unilateral grooves (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between groove type and tooth type or between gender and laterality. Intra-observer agreement was high (κ = 0.87). Conclusion The study revealed a high prevalence of PGGs, especially in maxillary lateral incisors, with a significant tendency toward bilateral and midpalatal presentation. CBCT proves to be an essential tool in detecting and characterizing PGGs, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.