Thickness of Palatal Mucosa and Related Parameters

The palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as a donor material in periodontal plastic surgery. However, there are relatively few studies investigating the volume or thickness of the palatal mucosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa in Asian subjects aged 14 to 59 years by a direct clinical technique. The associations of age and gender with the thickness of palatal mucosa were also examined. Sixty-two systemically and periodontally healthy Asians (31 males; 31 females; age range 14 to 59 years) participated in this study. The younger age group (age 14 to 21 years) consisted of 32 subjects with a mean age of 16.8 years, whereas the older age group (age 30 to 59 years) consisted of 30 subjects with a mean age of 38.7 years. A bone-sounding method using a periodontal probe with minimal anesthesia and a prepared clear acrylic stent were utilized to assess the thickness of palatal mucosa at 15 measurement sites defined according to the gingival margin and mid-palatal line. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the associations of age and gender with the mean mucosal thickness at the subject level. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine the difference in mucosal thickness between the 2 age groups, and between gender at each measurement point. The mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa ranged from 2.0 to 3.7 mm. The younger age group had significantly thinner mucosa (mean 2.8 +/- 0.3 mm) than the older age group (mean 3.1 +/- 0.3 mm). Females had thinner mucosa than males in the same age group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Overall, the thickness of palatal mucosa increased from the canine to second molar areas and in the sites furthest from the gingival margin towards the mid-palate (with the exception of the first molar area, where significantly decreased thickness was observed). Within the limits of the present study, the canine and premolar areas appear to be the most appropriate donor site for grafting procedures in both young and adult individuals. The subepithelial connective tissue graft procedure can be considered as a treatment modality in young patients, since a sufficient volume of donor tissue can be obtained from the hard palate area. Other factors that may influence the thickness of palatal mucosa such as racial and genetic factors and body weight need to be further investigated.

Background:The palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as a donor material in periodontal plastic surgery. The thickness of graft tissue is an important factor for the graft survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the thickness of palatal mucosa by a bone sounding technique. The association of age and gender with the thickness of palatal mucosa was also examined.Materials and Methods:Twenty four healthy subjects had participated in the study. The younger age group of 16-30 years consisted of 12 subjects of 7 females and 5 males, and the older age group of 31-54 years consisted of 12 subjects, of 5 females and 7 males. A bone sounding method using a periodontal probe was done to assess the thickness of palatal mucosa at 15 measurement sites defined according to the gingival margin and palatal line. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the difference in mucosal thickness between both the groups.Results:The younger age group had thinner mucosa ranged from 2 to 3.1 mm in thickness than the older age group which ranged from 3.2 to 3.7 mm. In the same age group, females had thinner mucosa than males in the same age group. The mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa ranged from 2.5 to 3.7 mm.Conclusion:The younger subjects had thinner mucosa than older subjects. The canine and premolar areas appeared to be the most appropriate donor site for grafting procedures.

The palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as donor material for periodontal plastic surgery. The thickness of graft tissue is important for graft survival. We investigated the thickness of palatal mucosa using a bone sounding technique. We also examined the relation of age and gender to the thickness of palatal mucosa. Fifty healthy subjects were divided into a younger age group of 25 subjects, 14–21 years old (mean, 19 years); the older age group consisted of 25 subjects, 30–59 years old (mean, 34.4 years). A bone sounding method using a periodontal probe and endodontic spreader no. 60 was used to assess the thickness of palatal mucosa at 15 pre-determined sites defined according to the gingival margin and palatal lines. Student's ‘t’ test was used to validate differences in mucosal thickness between the groups. The mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa ranged from 2.5 to 3.7 mm. The younger age group had a thinner mucosa than the older age group and females had a thinner mucosa than males. The canine and premolar areas appeared to be the most appropriate donor sites for grafting procedures.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate age and gender effects on the palatal masticatory mucosa thickness by using non-invasive and non-ionizing MRI. 40 periodontally healthy participants of five gender-balanced age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 years, respectively) underwent dental MRI at 3 Tesla using a contrast-enhanced, high-resolution 3D-sequence. The palatal masticatory mucosa was measured at 40 standard measurement points by two independent observers. Statistical analysis was performed by using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Shapiro-Wilk test, two-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey HSD test. Measurements of the palatal masticatory mucosa thickness were highly reliable with a mean intraobserver ICC of 0.989 and a mean interobserver ICC of 0.987. Mean palatal masticatory mucosa thickness increased with the distance from the gingival margin in all tooth regions. Molars showed a considerably lower average palatal masticatory mucosa thickness at intermediate heights in comparison to canines and premolars. Average palatal masticatory mucosa thickness continuously increased with age and significantly differed between age groups (p < 0.01). A significant increase was observed between the age groups of 30-39 years and 40-49 years (p = 0.04). Gender had no significant effect on average palatal mucosa thickness (p = 0.19). However, there was a tendency towards thicker mucosa in males (mean ± SD, 3.36 mm ± 0.47) compared to females (3.23 mm ± 0.44). In the present study, dental MRI allowed for a highly reliable determination of the palatal masticatory mucosa thickness. Considerable intra- and interindividual variations in palatal masticatory mucosa thickness were observed. Average palatal masticatory mucosa thickness was dependent on age but not on gender.

Aim:The purpose of the study is to determine the thickness of the palatal mucosa by a direct clinical method, and the association of age and gender with the thickness of the palatal mucosa.Materials and Methods:Forty systemically and periodontally healthy Indian subjects participated in the study. The subjects were categorized according to age and gender. The thickness of the palatal mucosa was assessed by bone sounding. Acrylic stents provided 15 consistent locations for the measurement, defined according to the gingival margin and mid-palatal line.Results:The mean thickness of palatal mucosa was 2.48΁0.03 mm, ranging between 2.07 and 3.00 mm, among the participants. The younger age group had significantly thinner mucosa than the older age group. Females had thinner palatal mucosa than males, but not statistically significant.Conclusion:The palatal area from the distal line angle of the canine to the mesial line angle of the palatal root of the first molar provides sufficient donor tissue for grafting procedures. Factors such as body weight and genetic factors need to be further investigated. As the dimension of the soft tissue graft is an important factor influencing the success of the treatment procedure the assessment of the dimension is relevant to clinical periodontics.

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Assessment of palatal mucosal thickness and location of the greater palatine foramen using cone-beam computed tomography: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Palatal augmentation is a unique approach that has been developed to increase the donor mucosal thickness and to procure sufficient dimensions of Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) during soft tissue augmentation around natural teeth and implants. Aim: To evaluate the relative changes in Palatal Mucosal Thickness (PMT) followed by augmentation with xenogeneic collagen sponge. Materials and Methods: This was an interventional study conducted on 16 subjects presenting with multiple gingival recession defects and also indicated for root coverage procedures at Department of Periodontology, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2017 to March 2018. PMT was measured using a customised stent at eight standardised points with respect to Canine (C), Premolar-1 (PM1), Premolar-2 (PM2) and Molar 1 (M1) located at 4 mm and 8 mm from the gingival margin. Xenogeneic collagen sponge was implanted at the donor site and postoperatively reviewed for two months. Changes in PMT were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 16 patients (12 male and 4 female; mean age 36.81±7.27 years) were recruited in the study. At two months, statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in mean thickness of the palatal mucosa was observed at all the study points (at 4 mm: C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.82±0.39 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.71 mm to 4.88±0.48 mm, PM2- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.06±0.65 mm and M1- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.24±0.43 mm and at 8 mm C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.47±0.51 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.41±0.61 mm, PM2- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.35±0.49 mm and M1- 5.65±0.60 mm to 4.76±0.43 mm). Conclusion: Xenogeneic collagen sponge implantation resulted in a significant increase in the thickness of palatal mucosa.

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Background and aims. Palatal masticatory mucosa serves as donor material in periodontal plastic surgery. This study determined the palatal mucosal thickness in Indian subjects aged 14−59 years by direct bone sounding and its association with gender and age. Materials and methods. This observational study was conducted on 40 dentate systemically and periodontally healthy Indians (age range of 14−59) including 20 males and 20 females, who were divided into two age groups: young (14−21) and older (30−59). A bone sounding method with a periodontal probe and a prepared clear acrylic stent were used to define 12 fixed measurement points for estimation of mucosal thickness. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the association of age and gender with mean mucosal thickness at subject level. Student’s t-test was used to determine the difference in mucosal thickness between two age groups, and between genders at each measurement point. Results. Younger group had significantly thinner mucosa (2.73±0.43) than the older group (2.79±0.28). The exception was at first premolar and first molar areas along the gingival margin. Females had thinner mucosa than males in the same age group, with no significant differences. Overall, the thickness of palatal mucosa increased from canine to first molar and in sites farthest from the gingival margin towards the mid-palate. Conclusion. The palatal mucosa in the area extending along the tip of canine to mesiopalatal cusp tip of first molar seemed an appropriate donor site for grafting procedures in both young and older individuals

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to measure the thickness of the palatal mucosa in a Jordanian (Middle Eastern) population as well as identify possible factors that may influence the thickness of palatal mucosa.Material and MethodsSixty period on tally healthy subjects (29 males and 31 females) were selected. Fifteen measurement points were defined on the palate. The mucosal thickness in the hard palate was determined by “bone sounding” with a Hu‐Friedy® round periodontal probe.ResultsThe overall mean thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa was 3.23 ± 0.47 mm.The mean thickness increased from the gingival margin to a more apical position irrespective of the tooth measured or side of the mouth in the following sequence: canine, second molar, first premolar, second premolar and lastly, the first molar. No significant difference between gender, smoking status, gingival phenotype andsides of the mouth with the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa was determined. A significant difference between palatal shape and palatal gingival thickness was found.ConclusionsThe most appropriate site for graft harvesting is the canine‐premolar area 8‐13 mm from the mid‐palatal aspect of each respective tooth in a Jordanian population. Except for the palatal shape, the side of the mouth, smoking, gender or gingival phenotype does not affect the graft harvest.Clinical Relevance Scientific Rationale for StudyKnowledge on the thickness of the masticatory mucosa is crucialin making decisions for surgical treatment modality and may affect surgical outcome. We measured the thickness of the palatal mucosa in a Jordanian population and identified possible influencing factors.Principal FindingsThe thickness varied according to the teeth and the canine to premolar region was found to be the appropriate donor site.Practical ImplicationsThis information on safe zone for graft harvest can guide the periodontist to make appropriate incisions and choose the appropriate location to obtain a graft of adequate thickness and dimensions.

BackgroundMeasuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD).MethodsPMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated.ResultsIn females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001).DiscussionConsistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.