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Published on: February 23, 2024
A Non-Invasive and Accurate Measurement of Gingival Thickness Using Cone-Beam Computerized Imaging for the Assessment
Sze Lok Lau1, Lop Keung Chow, Yiu Yan Leung
1*Consultant, Brånemark Osseointegration Centre, Hong Kong, China. †Clinical Assistant Professor, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Introduction:
The objective of the study is to compare the accuracy of the measurement of gingival thickness using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with direct clinical measurement on a pig jaw model, aiming to provide an alternate and precise method to aid assessment of the gingival biotype before immediate implant placement at the esthetic zone.
Materials And Methods:
Four pig mandibles were categorized separately into 14 different zones with each prominent tooth cusp as one. A high-resolution CBCT image was taken. Measurement of gingival thickness was performed using computer software and was compared with direct clinical measurements.
Results:
Intraclass correlation coefficient between clinical and CBCT measurements were 0.995 (pig 1), 0.945 (pig 2), 0.966 (pig 3), and 0.932 (pig 4), which indicated a good match between 2 measuring methods. Independent t test showed no significant difference between 2 independent investigators in all aspect of measurements (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Measuring gingival thickness using CBCT is a predictable and accurate method to assess the gingival biotype of a patient, so as to predict the suitability of immediate implantation.
