A novel technique for measurement of dentogingival tissue by cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES To develop a novel technique to visualize dentogingival profiles by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate the accuracy of mucogingival tissue thickness measurements with CBCT, as compared with direct measurements in vitro. METHODS A silicone matrix loaded with radiopaque impression material was prepared before performing CBCT on a patient. Two dry cadaver mandibles with simulated mucogingival tissue and six segmental cadaver jaws were used to assess the accuracy of mucogingival tissue thickness measurements directly and radiographically with CBCT images. Paired t tests were used to evaluate the intra- and interexaminer reliability and to compare the data between direct and CBCT imaging measurements at α = 0.05. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between direct and CBCT imaging measurements of simulated mucogingival tissue thickness in mandibular models and in cadaver jaws (P > .05). Results of direct measurements with simulated mucogingival tissue thickness indicated good intra- and interexaminer reliability. CONCLUSIONS A novel technique was developed to obtain mucogingival tissue thickness data on the use of radiopaque impression materials and CBCT imaging. This new method provides a reliable visual dentogingival profile and a means to objective measurements.