Lateral incisor with bifid roots

Roentgeno-oddities Each month this section will bring to the reader of ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, AND ORAL one or more roentgenograms which demonstrate unusual, unexpected, rare, or bizarre roentgenographic changes. These roentgenograms will be accompanied by an explanation or by words of inquiry regarding the particular change. Please submit 5 by 7 inch glossy black and white prints along with two copies of the description of the case. All material for publication should be submitted to Dr. John W. Preece, Department of Dental Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78284. PATHOLOGY

LATERAL

INCISOR

WITH BIFID ROOTS

A

40-year-old patient came to the Oral Diagnosis Department with the chief complaint of a suppurative discharge from a small sinus in the region of the maxillary left lateral incisor. On examination, it was found that the lateral incisor was discolored. There was a small, soft, fluctuant swelling on the palatal aspect and a sinus on the labial aspect of the tooth. The patient reported a history of trauma several years before. Radiographic examination showed a well-defined, corticated, radiolucent lesion at the apex of the lateral incisor, which had bifid roots. Abnormalities of roots are common with premolars and third molars but rare with lateral incisors. S. A. Jakhi B.K. Parekh Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department Nair Hospital Dental College Bombay, India

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