Correlation of Gingival Tissue Biotypes with Age, Gender and Tooth Morphology: A Cross Sectional Study Using Probe Transparency Method

Background: Gingival biotype is a prognostic factor in different therapeutic and regenerative approaches in dentistry. Patients with thin biotype are more prone to recession, inflammation, compromised tissue response, therapeutic and regenerative procedures. Identification of gingival biotypes is therefore important for the treatment planning process in restorative and implant dentistry. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the correlation of different biotypes in individuals with age, gender, varying forms of maxillary central incisors and clinical parameters. Methods: 200 subjects visiting the outpatient department in the range of 18-50 years participated in the study. Five clinical parameters were recorded by a single examiner. This included the crown width/length ratio(tooth size) of the two central incisors, gingival width, papillary height, probing depth and gingival thickness. The latter was based on the transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival margin while probing the midbuccal sulcus. The measurements were tabulated and evaluated. Correlation of gingival biotype with age, gender, tooth morphology and other clinical parameters were analysed statistically. Results: In the univariate analysis sex, age, gingival width, tooth size and pocket depth was found to have significant association with gingival biotype. In the multivariate analysis gingival width, pocket depth and gingival recession were found to be significant. Difference in the results from univariate and multivariate analysis may be attributed to the influence of extraneous factors. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, following conclusions were drawn. Thicker gingival biotype is associated with short, wider form of teeth while thinner scalloped biotype is associated with long, narrow tooth form. While thicker biotype is more prevalent in male population female population presented commonly with a thin biotype. Thick biotype is seen in younger individuals while older age group shows thin gingival biotype. Increased pocket depth and gingival recession is observed with thin biotype and a decreased pocket depth and gingival recession with thick biotype. Decreased gingival recession and gingival width is associated with thin biotype and increased values of the same with thick biotype.