Non-invasive evaluation of labial gingival and alveolar crest thickness in the maxillary anterior teeth region by 15-MHz B-mode ultrasonography

Xiaofeng Liu,Meng Sun,Ting Xia,He Meng

doi:10.1186/s12903-020-01377-z

Xiaofeng Liu, Meng Sun + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-01377-z

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Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge of gingival thickness (GT) and alveolar crest thickness (ACT) is essential when performing surgical and non-surgical procedures in the maxillary anterior teeth region. This study aimed at evaluating the GT and ACT in the maxillary anterior teeth region using 15-MHz B-mode Ultrasonic (US).MethodsA total of 300 teeth from 50 healthy participants, comprising 25 women and 25 men, aged between 18 and 35 years were analyzed. We measured labial periodontal tissue structures of maxillary anterior teeth, including GT and ACT, at 3 mm apical to the gingival margin (GT3) and the crestal level, respectively. The GT and ACT measurements were correlated.ResultsThe mean labial GT3 of the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines were 1.24 ± 0.03 mm, 1.21 ± 0.03 mm and 1.11 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. Canine GT3 was significantly thin than those in the central and lateral incisors (P < 0.05). With regards to labial ACT, we recorded 0.79 ± 0.03 mm, 0.76 ± 0.02 mm and 0.73 ± 0.02 mm for maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, respectively. There were no significant differences in ACT of maxillary anterior teeth (P > 0.05). GT3 of men was greater than that of women (P < 0.05). In addition, GT and ACT were positively correlated (r = 0.32, P < 0.01).Conclusion15-MHz B-mode US is an effective tool for measuring labial GT and ACT of anterior teeth. There are sex-associated differences in GT3 and the correlation between the GT3 and ACT of anterior teeth is moderately positive.

Highlights

Knowledge of gingival thickness (GT) and alveolar crest thickness (ACT) is essential when performing surgical and non-surgical procedures in the maxillary anterior teeth region
The mean labial 3 Mm apical to the gingival margin (GT3) of the maxillary anterior teeth ranged between 1.31 ± 0.04 mm and 1.05 ± 0.04 mm, while labial ACT ranged between 0.82 ± 0.04 mm and 0.71 ± 0.03 mm (Table 1)
Comparisons of male and female GT3 revealed a thinner gingiva among females

Summary

Introduction

Knowledge of gingival thickness (GT) and alveolar crest thickness (ACT) is essential when performing surgical and non-surgical procedures in the maxillary anterior teeth region. The proper diagnosis of labial gingiva thickness (GT) and alveolar crest thickness (ACT) of the anterior teeth is important to inform decisions regarding esthetic implant dentistry, periodontal therapies, and orthodontics [1,2,3]. Invasive approaches include the application of periodontal probes or needles to directly measure gingival or alveolar bone thickness after local anesthesia [6,7,8,9]. Sun et al BMC Oral Health (2021) 21:10 measuring approaches involve visual assessment of the general appearance of the gingiva or transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival margin [10, 11]. Radiation exposure and the associated cost-benefits of CBCT imaging limit its effective use

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