Evaluation of Periodontal Phenotype Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Intraoral Scanning by Computed Aided Design (CAD) and Prosthetic-driven Implant Planing (PDIP)

The gingival phenotype - (GP) is defined as three-dimensional volume of the gingiva, and is defined by 2 clinical parameters - gingival thickness (GT measured in mm ) and width of keratinized tissue (WKT0measured in mm ). Assessment of the gingival phenotype was performed with the use of visual methods, using the method of gingival transparency while probing the gingival grooves with a periodontal probe, on the basis of transparency of the free gingiva of the upper incisors, the shape of the crowns, the height of gingival papillae, and the width of the gingiva and, recently, using the Colorvue Periodontal Probes. The gingival phenotype may be determined more precisely by using biometry of width of keratinized tissue and gingival thickness. During surgical procedures in which it is planned to form a full thickness flap, GT can be measured in a direct way, for example using an orthodontic caliper or a gauge for thickness of prosthetic crowns measurement. Most often, however, it is advisable to determine the gingival or the periodontal phenotype before initiating dental treatment, at its planning stage.

GT assessment can be performed with the use of invasive methods: with a needle, an endodontic tool or a periodontal probe, with the use of radiological methods - parallel profile radiographs and CBCT, and non-invasive methods - using an ultrasonic device and the optical coherence tomography. Measurements of keratinized tissue width are most often carried out using a periodontal probe calibrated every 1mm.

Assessment of the phenotype is very important not only while planning dental treatment, but also in prediction of its results. A patient with healthy periodontium, but thin phenotype found in a single or in multiple dental units can be protected from the occurrence of complications of orthodontic, prosthetic or implant-prosthetic treatment . Radiological images, obtained by CT scans, are increasingly often assessed while planning such treatment . Scientists have begun to use the possibilities of 3D visualization for the assessment of the periodontal phenotype using the CBCT method.

Assessment of the periodontal and the gingival phenotype in a patient, using the method based on CW/CL, is unreliable. The phenotype should be assessed for each dento-gingival unit.

The presence of positive correlation between WKT, FGT and AC-GM confirms the validity of determining these parameters in the assessment of the gingival phenotype and, additionally, TLPAC2, in determining the periodontal phenotype.