JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, cilt.52, sa.S28, ss.309, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background & Aim: Gingival phenotype (GP) plays a crucial
role in periodontal and implant health, influencing outcomes in
surgical and non-surgical procedures. GP is commonly assessed
by measuring gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue
width, with GP classified as either thick or thin. Recent studies
highlight the importance of additional factors, such as dental
arch location (maxillary/mandibular) and gender, in determining GP. This study aims to evaluate the influence of dental arch
and gender on GP using three classification methods: average
GT, mean GT, and single-point GT measurements.
Methods: GT was measured at three points on each tooth in the
anterior region. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria and provided informed consent. GT measurements
were averaged across points, and GP was categorized as thick or
thin based on threshold values. The study assessed differences in
GP according to dental arch and gender, using statistical analyses
to identify significant variations across these groups.
Results: The findings revealed significant differences in GT
based on dental arch and gender. The maxillary arch exhibited
greater GT values compared to the mandibular arch, and males
generally had thicker gingiva than females. All three GP classification methods—average GT, mean GT, and single-point
GT—showed consistent results, with mean GT emerging as a
particularly reliable indicator of GP. These variations underscore
the influence of dental arch and gender on gingival thickness,
supporting the need for individualized clinical assessments.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both gender and
dental arch location significantly impact gingival phenotype,
with potential implications for clinical decision-making in
periodontal and implant treatments. Understanding these influences allows for more tailored approaches to patient care,
enhancing treatment outcomes in gingival tissue management