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

Abstract

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. Keywords: Alveolar process; Anatomy; Cone-beam computed tomography; Gingiva; Humans.