Prevalence of different gingival biotypes in individuals with varying forms of maxillary central incisors: A survey

Abstract

Gingival Perspective: The gingival perspective in restorative dentistry is important in harmonizing esthetics and biological function. In this regard, the gingival biotypes have been stated to be thick or thin. Patients with thin biotype are more prone to recession, inflammation, and compromised soft tissue response. The correct recognition of gingival biotypes is important for the treatment of planning process in restorative and implant dentistry. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the prevalence of different biotypes in individuals with varying forms of maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 subjects visiting the outpatient department in the range of 18-50 years participated in the study. Three clinical parameters were recorded by one examiner. This included the crown width/length ratio of the two central incisors, papillary height and gingival thickness. The measurements were tabulated and evaluated. Results and Conclusion: The thicker biotype was observed to be more prevalent in male population with short, wider forms of maxillary central incisors while the females had thinner biotypes and narrow, long form of maxillary central incisors. Among the different age groups, young group had a thicker biotype (73) compared to older group (40). The mean papillary height was in the range of 4.3-4.7 mm with decreased height in the thicker biotypes.