Periodontal status of teeth adjacent to nongrafted unilateral alveolar clefts

The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal condition of teeth adjacent to the cleft with contralateral teeth in adult subjects with a nongrafted unilateral alveolar cleft. Periodontal parameters were evaluated in 18 subjects who had at least one tooth immediately adjacent to the cleft. For each tooth investigated, plaque index, gingival index, and probing depth were recorded and each tooth was assigned a mobility score. Width of attached gingiva and extent of recession was measured. Bone level was assessed using standardized magnified radiographs and a computerized digitizing system. The overall findings of this study support those of other studies and indicate that in individuals with a nongrafted alveolar cleft, teeth adjacent to the defect show signs of gingivitis but not of periodontal disease. The anatomic defect, eruption pattern, orthodontic tooth movements, and the presence of restorations appear to contribute to the reduced bone level on the central incisor adjacent to the cleft and to the presence of gingivitis.