Complex facial radicular groove in a maxillary lateral incisor

A case report of a developmental anomaly known as a radicular groove is presented. This case is unusual in that it is believed to be the first reported case of complex involvement of the entire facial aspect of a tooth root. An alveolar crest to apex facial root defect in a maxillary right lateral incisor of a 12-yr-old black female led to early pulpal necrosis and periapical rarefaction. Clinical and histologic findings as well as morphologic and treatment ramifications are discussed.