Clinical Evaluation of Gingival Thickness and Width according to Dental Arch and Location in Pigmented and Nonpigmented Gingiva

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The present study aimed to clinically evaluate and compare the variations in gingival thickness and width of keratinized gingiva according to the dental arch and location in pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva. Materials and Methods A total of 240 sites from systemically healthy subjects were selected and divided into two groups; Group 1(pigmented gingiva) and group 2 (nonpigmented gingiva). After the initial visit of scaling and root planning, the gingival thickness was evaluated mid-buccally in the attached gingiva, that is, the center of the mucogingival junction and free gingival groove, and at the base of the interdental papilla. Similarly, the gingival width was measured as the distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. A single calibrated examiner recorded the measurements using the digital vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Results Gingival thickness and width were found to be significantly higher in pigmented than nonpigmented gingiva. Also, the maxillary arch was found to have thicker and wider gingiva than the mandibular arch in both the groups. The gingival thickness was found to be maximum in central incisor and minimum in canine in both the groups. However, the width of keratinized gingiva was found to be maximum in lateral incisor in group 1 (pigmented) and central incisor in group 2 (nonpigmented) and minimum in canine in both the groups. Conclusion A significant positive correlation in gingival thickness and width was observed according to dental arch and location in both pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva.