Assessment and Correlation of Gingival Biotype and Bone Density Using Digital Diagnostic Aids

Abstract

Background: Sufficient crestal mucosal thickness is extremely crucial for good peri implant health and minimum bone loss. Its importance has been highlighted in several articles. Cone Beam Computed Tomography offers a non-invasive approach to conduct this study which checks for the possible correlation between crestal mucosal thickness and hard tissue density on a CBCT.

Aim: To assess the correlation between the mucosal thickness and density of the underlying bone.

 Materials and methods: CBCT images of partially edentulous patients treated at Saveetha Dental College were evaluated. 15 patients with 15 edentulous sites were examined. Demographic records were collected from Dias (Dental Information Archival System, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai). Cross sections at the center of edentulous sites were used to measure crestal mucosal thickness and hard tissue. Pearson's correlation was applied to evaluate the correlation between mucosal thickness and bone density.

 Results: the results show an insignificant relation between the gingival thickness and the bone density. Pearson correlation of 0.120 | p value 0.408 for medullary density.

Pearson correlation of 0.097 | | p value 0.502  for cortical density.

Conclusion: Further studies are required in this field to prove a significant relation between gingival biotype and bone density.