Clinical Dimensions of the Supraosseous Gingivae in Healthy Periodontium

Assessment of the correlation between supracrestal gingival tissue dimensions and other periodontal phenotypes components via the digital registration method: a cross‑sectional study in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Supracrestal gingival tissue dimensions (SGTDs) has been considered to be an essential element of periodontal phenotype (PP) components. This study aimed to explore the relationship between SGTDs and other PP components by digital superposition method that integrated cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with intraoral scanning.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Stomatology Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data obtained from the digital scanner (TRIOS 3, 3Shape, Denmark) and CBCT images were imported into the TRIOS software (Implant Studio, 3Shape, Denmark) for computing relevant parameters. The significant level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 83 participants with 498 maxillary anterior teeth were finally included. The mean values of supracrestal gingival height (SGH) and the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the crest of the alveolar ridge (CEJ-ABC) on the buccal site were significantly higher than palatal SGH (SGH-p) and palatal CEJ-ABC (CEJ-ABC-p). Men exhibited taller CEJ-ABC and SGH-p than women. Additionally, tooth type was significantly associated with the SGH, SGH-p and CEJ-ABC-p. Taller SGH was associated with wider crown, smaller papilla height (PH), flatter gingival margin, thicker bone thickness (BT) and gingival thickness (GT) at CEJ, the alveolar bone crest (ABC), and 2 mm apical to the ABC. Smaller SGH-p displayed thicker BT and GT at CEJ, the ABC, and 2 and 4 mm apical to the ABC. Higher CEJ-ABC showed lower interproximal bone height, smaller PH, flatter gingival margin, thinner GT and BT at CEJ, and 2 mm apical to the ABC. Smaller CEJ-ABC-p displayed thicker BT at CEJ and 2 and 4 mm apical to the ABC. On the buccal, thicker GT was correlated with thicker BT at 2 and 4 mm below the ABC.

CONCLUSION

SGTDs exhibited a correlation with other PP components, especially crown shape, gingival margin and interdental PH. The relationship between SGTDs and gingival and bone phenotypes depended on the apico-coronal level evaluated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Stomatology Hospital of Fujian Medical University (approval no. 2023-24).

Relationship between supracrestal soft tissue dimensions and other periodontal phenotypic features: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between periodontal supracrestal soft tissue dimensions (PSSTDs) and other phenotypic features in non-molar maxillary teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult subjects in need of comprehensive dental treatment were recruited. Periodontal phenotypic variables (i.e., facial and palatal gingival thickness [GT], alveolar bone thickness [BT], and PSSTDs, namely distance from the gingival margin to the bone crest defined as periodontal supracrestal tissue height [PSTH] and distance from the cementoenamel junction to the bone crest [CEJ-BC]) were recorded using cone-beam computed tomography scans. Standardized intraoral photographs were obtained to assess facial keratinized tissue width (KTW) and other anatomical parameters (i.e., tooth type, gingival architecture, and interproximal papilla height).

RESULTS

The study sample was constituted of 87 participants that contributed with a total of 522 maxillary anterior teeth. Differences in mean values of PSSTDs, KTW, GT, and BT were observed between tooth types and sex. Males exhibited a thicker GT and BT, and taller PSTH and KTW compared to females. Shorter CEJ-BC was associated with shorter PSTH, wider KTW, and thicker GT and BT. Shorter PSTH was associated with thicker facial BT. Notably, BT and GT were positively correlated at both facial and palatal sites, meaning that the thicker the gingival phenotype, the thicker the bone morphotype. Facial BT and facial GT were positively correlated with KTW. A flat gingival architecture was associated with the thick periodontal phenotype. Square teeth had shorter CEJ-BC, wider KTW, and thicker GT.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal phenotypic features vary across and within subjects, between facial and palatal sites at different apico-coronal levels, and as a function of sex and tooth type. The shorter the PSSTDs, the wider the KTW and the thicker the GT and BT. PSSTDs, particularly PSTH, should be considered an integral component of the periodontal phenotype.

[Three-dimensional morphology analysis of the supraosseous gingival profile of periodontally healthy maxillary anterior teeth]

OBJECTIVE

To measure the three-dimensional morphology of the labial supraosseous gingiva (SOG) and the thickness of related labial bone in maxillary anterior teeth of periodontally healthy Han nationality youth using soft tissue indirect imaging cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

Twenty-five periodontally healthy subjects (11 males and 14 females) with 150 maxillary anterior teeth were involved in this study. A special impression with radiopaque material including the maxillary teeth was made, then a CBCT scan with the elastomeric matrix in position was taken for each subject. The imaging data were generated and transferred to a volumetric imaging software in which three-dimensional reconstruction was conducted and the image analyses were carried out. Measurements were made at the site of labial center of the maxillary anterior teeth. The height of the SOG, the distance between cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and bone crest, the gingival thickness at the CEJ, and the thickness of bone 2 mm below the labial bone crest were measured and the correlation analysis between the parameters was made. All the data analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0. The data were analyzed with ANVOA and Pearson correlation tests with the significance level at α=0.05.

RESULTS

The mean SOG values were (3.49±0.70) mm, (3.48±0.81) mm, and (3.54±0.67) mm for central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among the different sites (P > 0.05). The mean gingival thickness values were (1.45±0.23) mm, (1.13±0.24) mm, (1.14±0.22) mm for central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, respectively. The gingival thickness of the central incisors was the largest among the maxillary anterior teeth with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the SOG and gingival thickness among the maxillary anterior teeth (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The gingival thickness of central incisors was the largest and the supraosseous gingival height had no correlation with gingival thickness among the periodontally healthy maxillary anterior teeth.

A case-control study on the association between periodontitis and coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and periodontitis share common characteristics, such as an exaggerated inflammatory response. As periodontal diseases were shown to be associated with respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, it is quite possible that a relationship may exist between periodontitis and COVID-19. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine whether periodontitis and poor oral hygiene are associated with COVID-19.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted. Patients who had positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were included in the case group (n = 79), and patients with negative results were included in the control group (n = 71). The periodontal examination involved recording the plaque scores, calculus scores, tooth mobility, gingival bleeding, probing depth, recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL).

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of mean plaque scores ≥ 1 (odds ratio (OR), 7.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83 to 26.94), gingivitis (OR, 17.65; 95% CI, 5.95 to 52.37), mean CAL ≥ 2 mm (OR, 8.46; 95% CI, 3.47 to 20.63), and severe periodontitis (OR, 11.75; 95% CI, 3.89 to 35.49) with COVID-19; these findings were more prevalent in the case group.

CONCLUSION

Based on the above mentioned observations, it can be concluded that there is an association between periodontitis severity and COVID-19. Gingival bleeding and dental plaque accumulation are also more frequent among COVID-19 patients. Hence, it is essential to maintain periodontal health and good oral hygiene as an important measure for COVID-19 prevention and management.

Patterns of Periodontal Destruction among Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Central Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Findings of studies testing the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and periodontal health have shown varying results in different populations. Considering the high prevalence of SLT use in India, the present study was conducted to understand the pattern of periodontal destruction within different areas of the dentition among SLT users.

METHODS

Age, gender, oral hygiene habits, the frequency and duration of SLT consumption, the type of SLT product used, and the site of retention of the SLT product in the oral cavity were recorded among 90 SLT users. Probing depth (PD), recession (REC), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at SLT-associated and non SLT-associated teeth of the mandibular arch were compared based on the site of retention of the SLT product, the type of product used, and the duration of the habit.

RESULTS

REC and CAL were significantly higher at the SLT-associated zones compared to non SLT-associated zones and at both interproximal and mid-buccal sites of SLT-associated teeth. Among individuals who had the habit for more than 5 years and also among those who had the habit for 5-10 years, PD, REC, and CAL were significantly higher at SLT-associated teeth than at non SLT-associated teeth. Significantly greater periodontal destruction was observed at SLT-associated teeth among khaini users and gutkha users.

CONCLUSIONS

Smokeless tobacco consumption resulted in greater destruction of periodontal tissues. The severity of periodontal destruction at SLT-associated sites differed depending on the type of smokeless tobacco used, the site of retention of the SLT, and the duration of the habit.

One- versus two-stage crown lengthening surgical procedure for aesthetic restorative purposes: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a two-stage crown lengthening intervention (SCL) in the aesthetic zone compared with a one-stage crown lengthening procedure (CCL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to either SCL (n = 15) or CCL (n = 15) groups. SCL consisted of full-thickness flaps followed by bone recontouring and gingivectomy 4 months postoperatively, if required. In CCL, osseous recontouring after submarginal incisions was performed, followed by flap repositioning. Records were obtained at baseline, 4 months (only in SCL), 6 months and 12 months. Primary outcome was the precision in achieving a pre-determined gingival margin position. Other outcomes considered were changes in the gingival margin position and keratinized tissue width (KTW) at 12 months, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs).

RESULTS

Surgical precision was comparable between groups (0.2 ± 0.4 mm in the CCL group and -0.2 ± 0.5 mm in the SCL group). Four patients in the SCL group (27.7%) did not require a second-stage surgery. KTW was significantly higher in the SCL group (6.3 ± 1.4 mm versus 5.0 ± 1.4 mm, p = 0.017). SCL resulted in a lower impact on quality of life when compared to the CCL group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both approaches were highly accurate obtaining the desired crown length. SCL was associated with a lower reduction in KTW and more favourable oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14).

Cone-beam computed tomography as a diagnostic method for determination of gingival thickness and distance between gingival margin and bone crest

The objective of the present study was to assess cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a diagnostic method for determination of gingival thickness (GT) and distance between gingival margin and vestibular (GMBC-V) and interproximal bone crests (GMBC-I). GT and GMBC-V were measured in 348 teeth and GMBC-I was measured in 377 tooth regions of 29 patients with gummy smile. GT was assessed using transgingival probing (TP), ultrasound (US), and CBCT, whereas GMBC-V and GMBC-I were assessed by transsurgical clinical evaluation (TCE) and CBCT. Statistical analyses used independent t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and simple linear regression. Difference was observed for GT: between TP, CBCT, and US considering all teeth; between TP and CBCT and between TP and US in incisors and canines; between TP and US in premolars and first molars. TP presented the highest means for GT. Positive correlation and linear regression were observed between TP and CBCT, TP and US, and CBCT and US. Difference was observed for GMBC-V and GMBC-I using TCE and CBCT, considering all teeth. Correlation and linear regression results were significant for GMBC-V and GMBC-I in incisors, canines, and premolars. CBCT is an effective diagnostic method to visualize and measure GT, GMBC-V, and GMBC-I.

On the relationship between gingival biotypes and supracrestal gingival height, crown form and papilla height

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between gingival biotypes and supracrestal gingival height (primary aim) and its relation to crown shape and papilla height (secondary aim).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty adult subjects were evaluated in this study. Based on the transparency of a periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin, 38 subjects comprised the thin biotype group and 42 subjects comprised the thick biotype group, respectively. Three different parameters were clinically assessed: supracrestal gingival height (SGH) by bone sounding, crown width/crown length ratio and papilla height.

RESULTS

No statistical difference (P > 0.05) was detected neither for the correlation between different biotypes (thick/thin) and SGH nor for the association of biotypes and crown width/crown length ratio. Papilla height was only significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the area of teeth no. 21/22 for the thin periodontal biotype. Intra-examiner deviation was found to be very low for all clinical parameters (percentile agreement > 95%).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this study, we found that in young Caucasians (i) soft tissue dimensions seem to be similar between biotypes (ii) and the traditional hypothesis that a thick gingiva merges with broad-short crown shape and flat papillae and a thin gingiva with a narrow-long crown shape and high scalloping, may be questionable.

Periodontal plastic surgery to improve aesthetics in patients with altered passive eruption/gummy smile: a case series study

Altered passive eruption/gummy smile is a common challenge in patients requiring aesthetic treatment. A specific surgical protocol was designed and tested in patients with altered passive eruption. Standardized preoperative X-rays were used to assess crown length at baseline and to place submarginal incisions. Osseous respective therapy was performed to achieve biological width. Clinical outcomes were recorded 6 months after surgery. Eleven patients with a total of 58 teeth were treated with flap surgery and osseous resective therapy at upper anterior natural teeth. At the last followup, a significant and stable improvement of crown length was obtained when compared to the baseline (P < 0.0001). All patients rated as satisfactory in the final outcomes (final VAS value = 86.6). In conclusion, this study showed that periodontal plastic surgery including osseous resection leads to predictable outcomes in the treatment of altered passive eruption/gummy smile: A careful preoperative planning avoids unpleasant complications and enhances postsurgical stability of the gingival margin.