Evaluation of the morphometric relationship between the alveolar bone and gingival dimensions in the maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography imaging: A cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the alveolar bone and gingival dimensions in the maxillary anterior teeth. Cone-beam computed tomography images of 160 maxillary anterior teeth were evaluated. The Bone (BT) and Gingival Thickness (GT) and distances between Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) and alveolar Bone Crest (CEJ-BC) and Cemento-Enamel Junction and Gingival Margin (CEJ-GM) were measured on the labial surface at the cervical third of the tooth root. Pearson correlation test or partial correlation was used. BT was significantly and positively associated with CEJ-GM in lateral incisors (p=0.04). The correlation between CEJBC and CEJ-GM was negative and statistically significant for incisors and canines (p≤0.01). The correlation between CEJ-BC and GT was positive and statistically significant for central incisors and canines (p≤0.01). Greater bone thickness was associated with higher gingival margin level at the lateral incisor, but not with bone crest level. Lower bone crest level was associated with greater gingival thickness at the central incisor and canines, and with lower gingival margin level at all the anterior maxillary teeth. The planning of orthodontic, periodontal, and restorative treatments should consider these dimensions of marginal periodontal tissue are interrelated and their relationship vary by tooth type.

Digital Assessment of Gingival Dimensions of Healthy Periodontium

The aim of the present study was to re-visit the gingival dimension using digital scanning in a healthy Korean population. Forty-eight periodontally healthy volunteers (38 males and 10 females, mean age: 24.3 ± 2.2 years) were included. The mucogingival junction was highlighted using 2.5% diluted iodine solution. Then, the facial gingiva and mucosa of both jaws were digitally scanned using an intraoral digital scanner. Using computer software and periodontal probing, the heights and areas of keratinized gingiva (KG) and attached gingiva (AG) were measured. Similar distribution patterns in the gingival heights were noted in the maxilla and mandible. The maxilla showed substantially greater gingival values than the mandible. The heights of the KG and AG were notably smaller on the mandibular first premolar (2.37 mm and 1.07 mm, median value) and second molar (3.28 mm and 1.78 mm) than on the other teeth. The area of the KG was the largest in the canine (63.74 mm2 and 46.85 mm2) and first molar (64.14 mm2 and 58.82 mm2) in each jaw. Mandibular first and second molars, mandibular canine, and maxillary canine showed the highest value of the area under the receiver operation characteristics curve (>0.7) for differentiating between males and females. The gingival dimensions recorded using intraoral scanner demonstrated similar distribution patterns as in previous studies.

Dimensional Accuracy of Working Dies Fabricated by Different Impression Materials and Techniques: 3D Digital Assessment

Accuracy of dental impression plays a significant role in the success of definitive restorations. This study aimed to compare the dimensional accuracy of working dies fabricated using two different impression materials and techniques. Forty working dies fabricated from 40 impressions of preprepared mandibular first molar tooth replica stabilized in a jaw model to receive full coverage crown. Two different Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression materials were used; Aquasil and Virtual. Two different impression techniques were used with each type of impression material; One-step and two-step. The working dies dimensional accuracy was measured in four dimensions and compared with that of the preprepared molar tooth replica using a digital caliper and 3D scanner. Based on a 3D scanner, there were a significant difference of dies fabricated by the two tested impression materials using the two-step impression technique in Mesiodistal-Gingival dimension (IIA and IIB) groups compared to the preprepared tooth replica with an average 0.370 μm (P < .005). A significant difference was observed of the dies fabricated by the two tested impression techniques using virtual impression. material in Mesiodistal Occlusal dimensions with an average 0.135 μm (P < .03), and in Mesiodistal-Gingival dimensions with an average 0.490 μm (P < .001) and Buccolingual-Gingival dimensions with an average 0.143 μm (P < .005) using Aquasil impression material compared to the preprepared molar tooth replica. Both impression materials (Aquasil and Virtual) and techniques (One-step and Two-step) used in this study produced working dies with clinically accepted dimensional accuracy.

Free gingival graft to increase gingival dimensions in Down syndrome patients: clinical case report

Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS) patients have increased susceptibility to the development of periodontal diseases by the occurrence of several factors, such as inadequate hygiene, mouth breathing, dental morphology, leukocyte reduction and increased inflammatory mediators. Objective: This study aimed to review the literature on the main aspects of DS and present a clinical case of a DS patient treated with basic periodontal therapy and free gingival graft surgery. Case report: DS patient, leucoderma, aged 26 years showed gingival recession and little amount of keratinized tissue in the area of teeth #31 and #41. After surgery, there was an increase in the keratinized tissue band. Conclusion: The free gingival graft surgery performed in DS patients was effective, as the increase of keratinized tissue band occurred.