Retrospective evaluation of gingival thickness and tissue stability after connective tissue grafting in Asian populations: 1 month to 3.5 years

Abstract

The objectives of this retrospective study are to analyze post-surgical gingival thickness after connective tissue grafting in the Asian population and to assess its tissue stability for up to approximately 3.5 years. A total of 111 grafted teeth and 57 nearby nongrafted teeth in 28 Asian patients who had undergone connective tissue grafting surgery were selected. Gingival thickness was measured by transgingival probing. The mean gingival thickness of the grafted teeth was compared with adjacent nongrafted teeth in the same individuals. The mean gingival thickness of the grafted teeth in different tooth types and at various time intervals were statistically analyzed. The average gingival thickness following connective tissue grafting is 1.99±0.62mm compared to 0.96±0.40mm with nongrafted teeth (P<.0001). The maxillary premolar is the tooth type that underwent connective tissue grafting most frequently in our study. Among different tooth types, mandibular molars showed the thickest gingival tissues whereas mandibular incisors presented the thinnest tissues. No statistically significant difference in the mean tissue thickness at different time intervals was observed. Connective tissue grafting is a predictable treatment modality for gingival phenotype conversion, even in Asians, achieving nearly 2mm of gingival thickness on average, post-operation. Tissue stability after connective tissue grafting has been presented in our study. This quantitative assessment of the gingival thickness in Asians may encourage clinicians to deal with soft tissue architecture ahead of main surgical, restorative and orthodontic treatments in order to achieve pleasing treatment outcomes.