Evaluation of the Attached Gingival Width and Sulcus Depth in an Adult Nigerian Population - A Pilot Study

The attached gingiva is an important anatomical component of the periodontium with clinical implications. Variations exist in the width of the attached gingiva reported in the literature. Concerns had been previously raised over the width that was considered adequate for a healthy periodontium. This study set out to assess baseline values of the attached gingival width and gingival sulcus depth in a healthy Nigerian population.

Attached gingival width and sulcus depth were determined by a visual method, using a Williams periodontal probe. There were 73 subjects (females representing 74% (n = 54) and males 26% (n = 19) who represented a healthy population of dental clinic attendees seen at the periodontology clinic in a teaching hospital. Subjects with moderate to severe gingival inflammation were excluded from the study. Mean values were reported using descriptive statistics.

Mean attached gingival width was 3.26 (SD 0.96) mm and had a wide variation in different regions of the mouth. It was greatest in the maxillary central incisors and least in mandibular first premolars. No signifi cant associations were observed between the attached gingival width and age or gender. The mean gingival sulcus depth was 1.33 (SD 0.36) mm. There was a weak but negative correlation between the attached gingival width and gingival sulcus depth.

This study has defined baseline values for the attached gingival width and sulcus depth among Nigerians. This would help to determine deviation from the norm for this population and may help to identify individuals at risk for periodontal disease.