Correlation between Gingival Phenotype, Residual Ridge Height and the Schneiderian Membrane

Abstract

Purpose: Sinus perforations are one of the most common complications during sinus augmentation procedures. Preoperative prediction of the antral membrane thickness would be of practical importance and serves as an additional information for surgical planning. The purpose of this study was to analyze a possible correlation and comparison between gingival phenotype and the residual ridge height on the dentulous and the edentulous side to the thickness of the healthy sinus mucosa. Materials and methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients were included in the study; preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning was performed to radiographically evaluate the gingival phenotype (GP), the height of the residual ridge (RRH) at the edentulous side and the dentulous side and thickness of the schneiderian membrane (SMT). The smallest RRH, highest SM and gingival thickness values were recorded. These values were classified as follows: RRH 3.5 mm; SM 1 mm; and GP 2 mm. Results: On the edentulous side, Strong correlations of GP with SM (r = 0.833, p < 0.001) and moderate between RRH with SM (r = 0.620, p = 0.001) and RRH with GP (r = 0.596, p = 0.001) were noted. On the dentulous side, strong correlations of GP with SM (r = 0.832, p < 0.001) and moderate between RRH with SM (r = 0.643, p = 0.001) and RRH with GP (r = 0.601, p = 0.001) were noted. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the gingival phenotype (GP) presents to be a reliable measure to predict the thickness of the SM and suggested that the GP, SM, RRH may be important factors for sinus perforation.