Correlation analysis of periodontal tissue dimensions in the esthetic zone using a non-invasive digital method

Purpose: Direct intraoral scanning and superimposing methods have recently been applied to measure the dimensions of periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to analyze various correlations between labial gingival thickness and underlying alveolar bone thickness, as well as clinical parameters among 3 tooth types (central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines) using a digital method. Methods: In 20 periodontally healthy subjects, cone-beam computed tomography images and intraoral scanned files were obtained. Measurements of labial alveolar bone and gingival thickness at the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines were performed at points 0-5 mm from the alveolar crest on the superimposed images. Clinical parameters including the crown width/crown length ratio, keratinized gingival width, gingival scallop, and transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival sulcus were examined. Results: Gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level was positively correlated with the thickness of the alveolar bone plate (P<0.05). The central incisors revealed a strong correlation between labial alveolar bone thickness at 1 and 2 mm, respectively, inferior to the alveolar crest and the thickness of the gingiva at the alveolar crest line (G0), whereas G0 and labial bone thickness at every level were positively correlated in the lateral incisors and canines. No significant correlations were found between clinical parameters and hard or soft tissue thickness. Conclusions: Gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level revealed a positive correlation with labial alveolar bone thickness, although this correlation at identical depth levels was not significant. Gingival thickness, at or under the alveolar crest level, was not associated with the clinical parameters of the gingival features, such as the crown form, gingival scallop, or keratinized gingival width.