Measurements of the gingival papillae architecture using cone-beam computed tomography in young Chinese adults

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to measure the morphology of interdental papillae (IP) in maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods. Twenty-seven periodontally healthy subjects with 135 IP were evaluated by means of periodontal examination and a CBCT scan with an elastomeric matrix containing radiopaque material in position. According to the status of tooth contact and presence of IP, subjects were categorized into three groups: open contact point, complete papillae, and deficient papillae group. The papillae height (PH), facial-lingual thickness (FLT), and interdental distance (IDD) were measured. Data was analyzed with the significance level at alpha = 0.05. Results. The mean PH values were 4.17 +/- 0.51 mm, 3.99 +/- 0.61 mm, and 3.99 +/- 0.62 mm, for the open contact group, complete papilla, and deficient papilla group, respectively. The PH values of the recorded sites among central incisors, lateral incisors, and canine were 4.13 +/- 0.56 mm, 3.87 +/- 0. 63 mm, and 4.07 +/- 0.58 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences of the PH values were determined between the above three tested groups as well as between the different sites (p > 0.05). The IDD values obtained from the complete papilla group were significantly lower than the other tested groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The contact point condition of upper anterior sextants may not influence the presence and dimension of the IP in periodontally healthy subjects.