Evaluation of Change in Gingival Thickness after Provisional Restoration in Anterior Fixed Prosthodontic Treatment by Using Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique

Background: Aesthetic demands in fixed prosthodontics have significantly increased in recent decades, with gingival thickness playing a vital role in treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and long-term stability. The Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT) has emerged as a promising approach, promoting a thicker gingival biotype and enhancing both functional and aesthetic results, especially in anterior restorations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the change in gingival thickness after cementation of provisional restoration in anterior fixed prosthodontic treatment by using BOPT. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved purposively selected 33 patients requiring full veneer crowns on natural anterior teeth at the Department of Prosthodontics, BSMMU, Dhaka. Gingival thickness was measured at the free gingival groove and mucogingival junction using transgingival probing with a sterile endodontic spreader and a digital Vernier caliper. Following BOPT-based tooth preparation, provisional restorations were cemented. After six weeks of healing, gingival thickness was re-measured to assess changes, and the before-and-after data were recorded for analysis. Results: Prior to treatment, mean gingival thickness ranged from 1.15 mm to 1.41 mm across different anatomical sites, with an overall average of 1.28 mm. Following BOPT, mean thickness increased across all sites, ranging from 1.40 mm to 1.62 mm, with an overall average of 1.51 mm. The greatest increase was observed at the muco-gingival junction (0.25±0.10 mm), followed by the free gingival groove (0.21±0.12 mm). Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in overall gingival thickness post-treatment (p<0.00001), indicating that BOPT effectively enhanced gingival volume. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the BOPT is effective in enhancing gingival thickness following the placement of provisional restorations in anterior fixed prosthodontic treatment.