GINGIVAL THICKNESS AND KERATINIZED TISSUE WIDTH OF ANTERIOR MAXILLARY TEETH
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Abstract
Introduction: “Periodontal phenotype” consists of gingival phenotype (gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width) and bone morphology (buccal plate thickness)1. Gingival phenotype is closely related to periodontal health and success of various treatments. Evidence shows that periodontal phenotype differs from individuals with different nationalities, ethnicities and even between different oral sections3. This especially holds truth for the mandibular which often exhibits thinner and fluctuating keratinized tissue width in comparison to maxillary’s. Until recently, the majority of available studies on the subject was performed on Caucasians. This in turn led to a gap in literature for Asian and Vietnamese populations, in particular. These studies used CBCT as their measuring tool which is a costly device and remains unconventional in clinical practice for diagnostic purpose. For the aforementioned reasons, in addition to the desire to contribute to the growing body of evidence for clinicians to base their decisions, we decided to conduct this study. The objective is to measure the gingival phenotype of Vietnamese’s anterior maxillary teeth by measuring its two components: gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width. Methods and Materials: This is a descriptive cross – sectional study. The data is collected at two separate timepoints to determine gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width. The sample size is 65 Vietnamese people, with no missing teeth from #33 – 43. Those currently has periodontitis, orthodontic devices, gingival recession, prosthodontic devices on teeth #33 - 43, a history of periodontal surgery, gingival swelling inducing drugs and smokers are excluded from the study. The data can only be collected after the participants gave their consent. Results: Participants’ characteristics: Age ≤ 25: 56 (86.2%); Age > 25: 9 (13.8%); Females: 33 (50.8%); Males: 32 (49.2%)
Gingival thickness: Thin: 81.5%; Average: 15.9%; Thick: 2.6%; Very thick: 0%; Keratinized tissue width:
- According to age groups: ≤25: 3.80 ± 1.04mm; >25: 3.89 ± 1.02mm
- According to genders: Males: 3.81 ± 0.96mm; Females: 3.82 ± 1.11mm
- According to gingival thickness: Thin: 3.83 ± 1.05mm; Average: 3.84 ± 0.93; Thick: 3.00 ± 0.82mm
- According to tooth groups:
- Anterior mandibular: 3.81 ± 1.04mm
- Central incisors: 3.69 ± 1.03mm
- Lateral incisors: 3.80 ± 1.01mm
- Canines: 3.95 ± 1.06mm
- P – value = 0.140
Conclusion: Our results showcase the need to consider gingival phenotype when planning treatments in daily practice, especially for those with thin gingival. More studies with larger and more diverse sample sizes are required to create a body of evidence to optimize patients’ treatments.
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References

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