Gingival profiles in a select Asian cohort: A pilot study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the facial gingival profiles of teeth with a healthy periodontium in an Asian population. Methods:A total of 51 patients with a healthy periodontium were examined. Gingival thickness (GT) and gingival width (GW) were assessed at the maxillary and mandibular incisors to the first molars. GT was measured by transgingival probing (GT-TGP), and probe visibility through the marginal gingiva (GT-TRAN) was assessed. Results between groups (anterior and posterior, tooth types) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and t-test. Results:The mean age was 30.3±11.4 years, with 27 females and 24 males. The mean GT-TGP was 1.39±52 mm, while the mean GW was 4.59±1.34 mm. Considerable intra-individual and interindividual variation in GT (TGP and TRAN) was noted. GT increased from the anterior to posterior, and was thinnest at the mandibular centrals to the first premolars and maxillary canines. GT-TGP and GW were influenced by tooth type, plaque, recession, and TRAN, but not age, sex, or ethnicity. GW were recorded lowest at the mandibular canines and all premolars. Thin gingiva was recorded at 63.8%-92% (GT-TGP<1.5 mm) and 75%-90% (GT-TRAN) of the anterior teeth. Conclusion:A high percentage of anterior teeth had thin marginal gingiva. There was poor agreement between GT-TGP and GT-TRAN. K E Y W O R D Sbiotype, gingival recession, gingival thickness, keratinized gingiva, transgingival probing

Effect of gingival phenotype on the maintenance of periodontal health: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence review

“…The majority of studies found that GT varies within and between individuals. However, there is no major difference between overall GT in the maxilla and the mandible …”

“…The characteristics and results of the included studies for this clinically focused question are presented in Table . All 25 included studies reported data for both KTW and GT.…”

“…The association between GB and GT were evaluated in six studies . The majority of studies that assessed maxillary anterior teeth found a positive relationship between GB, GT, and KTW in maxillary anterior teeth .…”

“…The association between age and GT was assessed in six studies . Five out of the six studies demonstrated that there is no relationship between age and the GT …”

“…Five studies compared the thickness of maxillary and mandibular teeth . The majority of studies found that GT varies within and between individuals.…”