Analysis of cone-beam CT measurements of three-dimensional gingival morphology in the aesthetic zone of maxillary anterior teeth

Abstract OBJECTIVE: By utilizing a combination of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) and other methods, our objective is to examine the three-dimensional structure of the labial gingiva of maxillary anterior teeth, enabling us to develop an indirect means of evaluating gingival morphology. METHODS: 35 healthy participants received a combination of gingival barrier resin and iodohexol on the labial aspect of their maxillary anterior teeth. CBCT scans were taken using positioning wires. Gingival tissue height(SGT), gingival thickness(GT), keratinised gingival width(KGW), and differences between gingival phenotypes were analyzed statistically. RESULT：The research discovered that mesial incisors are situated further away from the labial central SGT than cuspids. The maxillary anterior area showed the thickest GT in mesial incisors and the thinnest in cuspids. Males exhibited thicker GT in incisors, while KGW was more extensive in incisors than in cusps. A correlation analysis unveiled positive correlations between GT-KGW, GT-SGT, and KGW-SGT. Variation was also observed in KGW and SGT between thick and thin gingival types. CONCLUSION: Significant discrepancies were identified in the SGT, GT, and KGW values within the anterior maxillary region amongst distinct gingival phenotypes, indicating the possibility of designing individualized treatment regimens based on those phenotypes. Clinical Relevance:This study showcases the clinical implementation of CBCT and a combination approach to evaluating gingival morphology, revealing the prospect of developing bespoke treatment plans tailored to an individual's gingival biotype.