transgingival probing and ultrasonographic methods for determination of gingival thickness- a comparative study

Aim : In current era of dentistry attempts are being made to perform several dental procedures quickly and atraumatically as beyond efficacy there is a need for balance and comfort for patients. Measurement of gingival thickness (GTH) has become the matter of significant interest for periodontists, orthodontists and implantologists as well. However, there are relatively few studies investigating the GTH atraumatically and rapidly.The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the two methods of determination of GTH i.e. transgingival probing (TGP) and ultrasonographic method (USG) in association with site, age, gender, tooth wise and dental arch wise in Indian population. Methods : Thirty systemically and periodontally healthy subjects were included in the present study. Gingival thickness was assessed in the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth by both methods. Results : It was observed that the younger age group had significantly thicker gingiva than older age group . The gingiva was found to be thinner in females than males and in the mandibular arch than the maxilla. Within the limits of the present study it was demonstrated that thickness of gingiva varies with the tooth sites, i.e. midbuccally and interdental papillary region and also with morphology of the crown. Conclusions : In the present study, it was concluded that GTH varies according to site, age, gender tooth and dental arch wise. In comparison to TGP method, USG method assesses GTH more accurately, rapidl y and atraumatically.