Comparative chromatic study of the interdental gingival papillae

Area of Science:

• Dental Aesthetics
• Color Science in Dentistry
• Periodontology

Background:

• Limited data exists on interdental papilla color.
• Sociodemographic and behavioral factors' impact on gingival color is unknown.
• Optimal ceramic gingival specimens for matching papilla color require identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine color coordinates of healthy gingival papillae.
• Compare papilla color based on sex, age, hygiene, and smoking.
• Evaluate papilla color against other gingival zones.
• Identify suitable ceramic specimens for subjective color selection.

Main Methods:

• Spectrophotometry used to record color coordinates (L*, a*, b*) of maxillary incisor papillae and attached gingiva in 62 participants.
• Comparison of color coordinates between gingival zones.
• Evaluation of 15 and 133 ceramic gingival specimens against papilla color using acceptability thresholds (AT).
• Statistical analysis using MANOVA and coverage error calculation.

Main Results:

• Interdental papilla color ranges: L* 42.2–57.5, a* 16.8–30.6, b* 11.2–18.1.
• Significant color differences (P<.05) found between all gingival zones.
• Papillae were less yellow and redder than other gingival zones.
• Coverage error for the 15-specimen guide was 2.71.

Conclusions:

• Women's gingival papillae were significantly lighter than men's.
• Smokers exhibited higher b* (yellowness) in papillae compared to non-smokers.
• Age and dental hygiene did not significantly influence papilla color.
• The 15-specimen guide proved effective for subjective shade selection.