A Non-Invasive and Accurate Measurement of Gingival Thickness Using Cone-Beam Computerized Imaging for the Assessment of Planning Immediate Implant in the Esthetic Zone-A Pig Jaw Model.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the study is to compare the accuracy of the measurement of gingival thickness using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with direct clinical measurement on a pig jaw model, aiming to provide an alternate and precise method to aid assessment of the gingival biotype before immediate implant placement at the esthetic zone.


METHODS
Four pig mandibles were categorized separately into 14 different zones with each prominent tooth cusp as one. A high-resolution CBCT image was taken. Measurement of gingival thickness was performed using computer software and was compared with direct clinical measurements.


RESULTS
Intraclass correlation coefficient between clinical and CBCT measurements were 0.995 (pig 1), 0.945 (pig 2), 0.966 (pig 3), and 0.932 (pig 4), which indicated a good match between 2 measuring methods. Independent t test showed no significant difference between 2 independent investigators in all aspect of measurements (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Measuring gingival thickness using CBCT is a predictable and accurate method to assess the gingival biotype of a patient, so as to predict the suitability of immediate implantation.
*Consultant, Brånemark Osseointegration Centre, Hong Kong, China. †Clinical Assistant Professor, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Sze Lok
SL
Lau
Lop Keung
LK
Chow
Yiu Yan
YY
Leung
D000818:Animals; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D057893:Immediate Dental Implant Loading / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013552:Swine