title: [Method and its application of gingival thickness measurement based on cone-beam computed tomography].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a novel method for obtaining the clear visualization of the gingival profile by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) that  consistently allows the measurements of gingival thickness and use it to explore the relationship between the gingival thickness and gingival biotype, and  the gingival thickness and underlying alveolar bone thickness in the maxillary anterior region.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 15 volunteers with healthy gingiva in  the maxillary anterior teeth were involved, and a special preparation was done before CBCT scans including making impression with the contrast agent.  The tissue biotypes were assessed clinically with the probe, The thickness of both gingiva and bone and the gingival thickness of the cemento-enamel  junction (CEJ) were measured radiographically with cone-beam computed tomography scans. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CBCT image showed clear visualization of the gingival profile. The average gingival thickness of the CEJ was (1.22±0.32) mm. A  correlation was observed between the tissue biotypes and the gingival thickness (r=0.449,P<0.05). The labial gingival thickness was negative  associated with the underlying bone thickness measured with CBCT in the maxillary anterior region (r=-0.31, P=0.021).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A method was  established for measuring gingival thickness based on cone-beam computed tomography. The gingival biotypes had a positive correlation with gingival  thickness of the CEJ.
authors: Department of Periodontology, Peking University School, Beijing, China.
authors: Jie
authors: J
authors: Cao
authors: Wen-jie
authors: WJ
authors: Hu
authors: Hao
authors: H
authors: Zhang
authors: Deng-gao
authors: DG
authors: Liu
authors: Di
authors: D
authors: LE
mesh_terms: D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003481:Cuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging