Classification of periodontal biotypes with the use of CBCT. A cross-sectional study

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between periodontal morphometric parameters and to develop a biotype classification based on the variables examined with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Forty-two periodontally healthy subjects that underwent a CBCT examination as part of a different diagnostic procedure participated in the study. Measurements were performed on sectional images and included gingival thickness and labial bone plate thickness midbuccally, crown width to crown length ratio, bone crest to the CEJ distance and bone crest to the gingival margin distance midbuccally, and at the approximal aspects of 186 maxillary anterior teeth.

Gingival thickness at the level of CEJ was positively correlated with labial bone plate thickness and crown form. Crown form was not correlated with labial bone plate thickness. Cluster analysis supported the existence of four periodontal biotypes, "thin," "thick," "average," and "mixed." Labial bone plate thickness was thinner than 1 mm at 70 % of the measured sites.

Only 50 % of the teeth belonged to thin or thick biotype. The other 50 % of the teeth belonged to the average cluster or presented mixed characteristics. Assessment of labial bone plate thickness based on periodontal biotype should be made with caution.

Taking into consideration the characteristics of periodontal biotypes enables the clinician to avoid complications in periodontology, prosthetic dentistry, implant dentistry in the esthetic zone, and orthodontics.