Digital analysis of periodontal phenotype in the maxillary anterior region.

Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of the periodontal phenotype is crucial for optimizing esthetic outcomes in dental practice. This study systematically evaluated key periodontal parameters in the maxillary anterior region and analyzed their interrelationships to enhance diagnostic precision and inform personalized treatment planning.

Methods: Sixty-two periodontally healthy volunteers were included. Labial papilla height (PH), gingival zenith (GZ), the distance between the GZ of the lateral incisor and the gingival line (LID), height of contact surface (CS), crown width (CW), and crown length (CL) were measured using plaster models, intraoral photographs, and digital models obtained via intraoral scanning. Keratinized gingiva width (KGW) was assessed using a periodontal probe. Labial gingival thickness (GT) was measured at three locations-1 mm apical to the gingival margin, at the alveolar crest, and 2 mm apical to the crest-while labial alveolar bone thickness (BT) was evaluated at the alveolar crest and 2 mm apical to the crest, both using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Correlations among periodontal phenotype parameters were analyzed.

Results: Parameters measured from intraoral scanned digital models showed no statistically significant differences compared to plaster models (NS, P>0.05). Varying degrees of correlation were identified among components of the periodontal phenotype, including GT, BT, KGW, PH, GZ, LID, and the ratios of CW to CL (CW/CL) and CS to CL (CS/CL).

Conclusions: Digital technology enables noninvasive, rapid, and precise assessment of periodontal phenotype, supporting risk assessment, and personalized treatment planning in aesthetic dentistry.

Key points: Digital methods yield precise periodontal phenotype analysis in aesthetic zones. Intraoral scanning and CBCT provide detailed periodontal phenotype parameters, revealing correlations with key esthetic factors like papilla height and gingival zenith. Correlation analysis between periodontal phenotype and key esthetic factors in the anterior maxilla enhances understanding of phenotype's impact on aesthetic outcomes and improves treatment planning.

Plain language summary: This study aimed to improve how dentists assess the surrounding tissues in the front upper teeth, which is essential for achieving natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results in dental treatments. Researchers analyzed the gum, tooth, and bone characteristics of 62 healthy volunteers using traditional plaster models, intraoral photographs, and digital scans. They measured key parameters including gum thickness, bone thickness, and other relevant features. The study found that digital scans provided results as accurate as the traditional plaster models. Furthermore, the researchers identified connections between different gum and tooth characteristics, such as how the shape of teeth affects the appearance of the gums. These findings show that digital tools offer a quick, noninvasive, and precise way to assess these features, allowing dentists to plan more personalized treatments for improved aesthetic outcomes. Overall, this research supports the use of modern technology in dental care to enhance results and patient satisfaction.