The effect of horizontal and vertical dimensions of the interproximal space on the existence of interdental papillae – A clinical study

The aim of the present study was to determine the existence of inter dental papilla according to the vertical dimension, horizontal dimension and the combined effects of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the interproximal space on the existence of interdental papilla.182 interdental sites of 42 periodontitis patients undergoing open flap debridement were included in the study. The existence of interdental papilla was determined based on the Papilla Presence Index (PPI). The vertical dimension (VD) was measured from the alveolar crest to the contact point using UNC-15 probe. Horizontal dimension (HD) was measured from the mesial surface of the distal tooth and the distal surface of the mesial tooth at the level of the alveolar crest using castroviejocaliper. Statistical analysis was done by using independent ‘t’ test, Pearson’s Chi-square test and Trend Chi-square test. The existence of papilla was significantly higher in VD ≤ 5mm (91.5%) compared to VD > 5mm (9.8%) [p< 0.0001]. The existence of papilla was significantly higher in HD < 2mm (97%) compared to HD ≥ 2mm (1.2%) [p< 0.0001]. The contribution of both vertical dimension and horizontal dimension to the existence of papilla was about 61.6% and thus the existence of papilla may be influenced by various other factors (about 38.4%) which were not included in this study.The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the interproximal space gains significance in determining the existence of papilla and further research is needed to analyze the other factors influencing the papilla.