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Published on: December 31, 2017
Gingival profiles in a select Asian cohort: A pilot study.
Wan Zhen Lee1, Marianne M A Ong1, Alvin B-K Yeo1
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry
|April 11, 2017
Summary
A significant percentage of anterior teeth in Asians exhibit thin gingival thickness, with poor agreement between measurement methods. This highlights variations in gingival profiles within a healthy periodontium.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Dental Anatomy
Background:
- Understanding facial gingival profiles is crucial for periodontal health.
- Variations in gingival thickness and width can impact treatment outcomes and aesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the facial gingival profiles of teeth in an Asian population with a healthy periodontium.
- To assess gingival thickness and width in anterior and posterior teeth.
Main Methods:
- Examined 51 patients with healthy periodontium.
- Measured gingival thickness (GT) using transgingival probing (GT-TGP) and probe visibility (GT-TRAN).
- Assessed gingival width (GW) from incisors to first molars; analyzed data using ANOVA and t-test.
Main Results:
- Mean GT-TGP was 1.39±0.52 mm; mean GW was 4.59±1.34 mm.
- Gingival thickness increased anteriorly to posteriorly and was thinnest at mandibular centrals/premolars and maxillary canines.
- Thin gingiva (GT-TGP < 1.5 mm) observed in 63.8%-92% of anterior teeth; poor agreement between GT-TGP and GT-TRAN.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of thin marginal gingiva was found in anterior teeth.
- Significant variations in gingival thickness and width exist within the Asian population.
- The study noted poor agreement between the two methods used for measuring gingival thickness.
