Accurate gingival recession quantification using 3D digital dental models

Abstract

Objectives To develop and validate a method for accurate quantitative assessment of gingival recessions based on superimposition of serial 3D digital models. Materials and methods Gingival recessions of mild (0.5–2 mm) and increased (3–7 mm) severity were simulated on stone casts and surface models were created. The outlines of the gingival margins of the mild (A) and severe recessions (B) were compared to the original gingival margins following 3D best fit superimposition through a gold standard technique (GS), which used intact adjacent structures, and the tested method (CC), which used single tooth crowns at the position of recessions, as superimposition reference. The primary outcome was the distance between the most apical point of each corresponding gingival margin along the respective tooth long axis. Results For mild recessions, the median difference of the test methods (CC_A) from the reference method (GS_A) was 0.008 mm (IQR: 0.093; range: − 0.143, 0.147). For severe recessions, the median difference of the test method (CC_B) from the reference method (GS_B) was 0.009 mm (IQR: 0.091; range: − 0.170, 0.198). The proposed method (CC) showed very high intra- and inter-operator reproducibility (median: 0.025 and 0.033 mm, respectively). Conclusions The suggested method offers highly accurate monitoring of gingival margin changes and diagnosis of gingival recessions using 3D digital dental models. The method is applicable irrespective of changes in tooth position or form, allowing for assessments over any time span. Clinical relevance The accurate detection and visualization of gingival margin changes in 3D will enhance diagnosis and patient-doctor communication.

Spontaneous Recession Repair after Orthodontic Treatment: Case Report with the Use of Digital Approach for Quantification of Soft Tissue Changes

“…Nevertheless, several more successful approaches were described in the literature in terms of digital evaluation of gingival recession [16]. Moreover, the digital approach used for the measurements of gingival recession was found to be more reproducible and valid compared to the conventional clinical examination [14][15][16][17]. In the present case report, we could not find any statistical differences between changes in the gingival recession parameters measured by means of digital analysis or conventional clinical method.…”

“…On the other hand, several previous studies have demonstrated the advantages of using digital intraoral scanning approach in terms of recession level registration, while pointing to the proper validity, reliability, and accuracy of such method [14][15][16][17]. Ongoing digitalization in dentistry is supported by the unique possibilities of innovative available techniques and equipment, which further could be implemented in various clinical settings and for different specific objectives.…”

Modern View on Issues of Diagnosing Gingival Recession

“…При цьому серед захворювань пародонту значного поширення набула рецесія ясен, або гінгівальна рецесія, що являє собою незапальну апікальну міграцію ясеневого краю від його фізіологічного розташування [1,5]. Зважаючи на те, що оголення кореня зуба, яке відбувається внаслідок ясеневого зміщення, стає не лише естетичною вадою, але й викликає у пацієнтів дентальну гіперчутливість, пришийковий карієс та некаріозні ураження, і навіть становить реальну небезпеку втрати зуба, вивчення причин й особли-востей розвитку рецесії ясен, її вчасного виявлення є надзвичайно важливим й актуальним [4,10,11,14,33,36].…”