Gingival biotype revisited-novel classification and assessment tool

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental diagnostics
• Gingival biotype classification

Background:

• Gingival biotype (GB) and gingival thickness (GT) are crucial for periodontal health.
• Accurate classification of GB is essential for predicting treatment outcomes and risks.
• Existing classification methods may lack precision, particularly for thin biotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between gingival biotypes and gingival thickness using probe transparency.
• To assess the sensitivity of a novel classification method for gingival biotypes.
• To identify potential clinical applications for gingival biotype classification.

Main Methods:

• Sixty adult Caucasian subjects were stratified into thin, moderate, and thick gingival biotype groups.
• Classification was based on the transparency of a prototype double-ended periodontal probe through the gingival margin.
• Gingival thickness (GT), probing depth (PD), and gingival width (GW) were measured.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gingival thickness were observed between thin, moderate, and thick gingival biotypes (p < 0.05).
• Gingival width was directly correlated with gingival thickness (p < 0.01).
• The novel classification tool demonstrated 91.3% sensitivity in diagnosing thin gingival biotypes.

Conclusions:

• Gingival thickness significantly differs across the defined gingival biotype groups.
• A modified periodontal probe offers an advantageous alternative classification, especially for thin biotypes.
• Identifying thin biotypes is clinically relevant for predicting high-risk patients prone to gingival recession.