The Width of Lingual Mandibular Attached Gingiva

Abstract

One hundred and twenty individuals in good oral health were divided into six groups according to age. Measurements were made on the depth of the gingival sulcus, and the distance from the margin of the free gingiva to the mucogingival junction on the lingual mandibular teeth. The mean, extreme, standard deviation and analysis of variance were computed. A distinct pattern of the width of healthy lingual attached gingiva was found. The largest width was found lingual to the first and second molars with a mean height of 4.7 mm. This was followed by the third molar [3mm] second bicuspid [2.5 mm] first bicuspid [2 mm], and cuspid, lateral and central [1.9mm]. Lingual attached gingiva showed that there was a variation in width with each tooth and between individuals. There was no variation in width of lingual attached gingiva between sexes. The extreme measuremtns ranged from less than 1 mm to 8 mm. The data from the study gives the dentist some indication of the mean and extreme ranges of lingual attached gingiva. This data can serve as a guide in diagnoiss and treatment planning and in selecting procedures to reestablish these zones of attached gingiva.