Evaluation of variation in the palatal gingival biotypes using an ultrasound device

The dimensions of gingiva and different parts of the masticatory mucosa have become a subject of considerable interest in Periodontics. Studies assessing the thickness of the facial gingiva are often seen in the literature. The thickness of the palatal gingiva is a subject still less researched in periodontal therapy and implantology.

To measure the thickness of the palatal gingiva using an ultrasound device 'Biometric A- Scan' and to evaluate the variation in the thickness of the palatal gingiva at the sites examined.

In the 50 subjects examined, the thickness of the palatal gingiva was assessed at the maxillary anteriors, premolars and molars by an ultrasound device 'Biometric A-Scan'. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA test and Newman-Keuls multiple post hoc procedure.

Statistically significant variations existed in the palatal gingival thickness. The thickness was highest at the lateral incisor region, followed by canine, premolars, molars and central incisor.

In the subjects assessed, the thickness of the palatal gingiva at the lateral-canine area was the highest followed by the premolar area. In periodontal root coverage procedures and during implant therapy, we suggest the inclusion of the lateral incisor area, apart from the canine and premolar area, as a potential donor site for harvesting soft tissue grafts from the palatal area. However, the effect of several factors like age and sex of the patient, the anatomy of the palatal area, the influence of rugae patterns and racial and geographical differences should be taken into consideration prior to harvesting a graft from these sites. Apart from this, the study suggests that, the ultrasonographic measurements provide an elegant means of obtaining the measurements of gingival and mucosal tissues rapidly, accurately and non-invasively. Our endeavour in this research project attempts to open more avenues for studies in the field of advanced periodontal diagnosis, with the use of ultrasound, and expand the horizons of periodontal plastic surgery and implant therapy as well.