Embrasure morphology and central papilla recession

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Dental Anatomy

Background:

• Interproximal dental papilla presence is crucial for aesthetics and periodontal health.
• Maxillary central incisors are key to smile aesthetics, making papilla preservation vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of vertical and horizontal distances between maxillary central incisors on interproximal papilla presence.
• To evaluate the relationship between embrasure morphology and central papilla recession.

Main Methods:

• 50 subjects' periapical radiographs of maxillary central incisors were analyzed.
• Key vertical (e.g., bone crest to papilla tip - BC-CP) and horizontal (interdental width - IDW) distances were measured.
• Embrasure morphology was assessed in relation to papilla presence and recession.

Main Results:

• All measured interdental variables significantly correlated with papilla presence.
• BC-CP distance was the strongest predictor of central papilla presence.
• 100% papilla presence observed when BC-CP ≤6 mm and IDW was 0.5–1.5 mm; recession common in wide-long and narrow-long embrasures.

Conclusions:

• Interdental distances significantly influence maxillary central incisor papilla presence.
• BC-CP distance is the most critical determinant for maintaining the interproximal dental papilla.
• Embrasure morphology and specific dimensional parameters are vital for papilla preservation.