The present study evaluated 100 extracted permanent maxillary
and mandibular anterior teeth to determine the prevalence,
dimensions and location of proximal root grooves.
The study also compared the periodontal attachment loss for
root surfaces with and without grooves.
A total of 100 maxillary and mandibular permanent anterior
teeth were examined from a formalin-stored pool of extracted
teeth whose preextaction history was unknown. The
criteria for inclusion of teeth in the study were – the teeth
should have an intact cemento–enamel junction, no dental restoration
or caries extending beyond cemento–enamel junction
and there was no visible damage from extraction procedure.
The periodontally involved part of the root was carefully
scaled and cleaned in running water and then stained for
10 seconds in 0.1% toludine blue to facilitate the measurement
of attachment loss. Loss of attachment was then measured
along the long axis of the tooth from cemento–enamel
junction to the most coronal level of the stained periodontal
ligament on the mesial as well as on the distal surfaces, by
using Vernier-caliper to the nearest tenth of a millimetre