Evaluation of Gingival Phenotype: The Role of Gingival Thickness Measurements from Different Vertical Gingival Levels

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to accurately assess the gingival phenotype by comparing the mean gingival thickness (GT) measured at various levels with a single-point GT measurement. Materials and methods Fifty participants were divided into thin and thick gingival phenotype groups according to two different classifications. The first classification was based on the GT measured at the base of the gingival sulcus (GT1), whereas the second classification was based on the mean of the GT (GTm) measured at the base of the gingival sulcus (GT1 point) and 1 mm apical (GT2 point) and 2 mm apical to the base of the gingival sulcus (GT3 point). The GT was measured using the transgingival method from the buccal region of 1195 teeth, including the incisors, canines, premolars, and first molars, and was statistically analyzed. Results The mean GT was 0.95 +/- 0.25 mm for GT1, 0.97 +/- 0.3 mm for GT2, 0.81 +/- 0.22 mm for GT3, and 0.91 +/- 0.22 mm for the overall GTm. Good agreement was found between the GTm and GT1 and GT2 (k = 0.712; k = 0.758, p < 0.001for both), and moderate agreement was found between the GTm and GT3 (k = 0.534, p < 0.001). In both classifications, the effect of the dental arch location on the GT was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion Standardized methods are required to minimize the differences in measurements from different vertical levels, which can influence gingival phenotype classification.