Relationships between gingival phenotype, bone morphotype and gingival recession occurrence at mandibular incisors and canines – cone beam computed tomography study

Mandibular anterior region is crucial in orthodontic treatment planning.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess relationships between periodontal phenotype of mandibular incisors and canines and gingival recession occurrence.

Material and methods
35 patients aged 26,42 (±8,02) participated in this study. Gingival recession height (GRH), gingival thickness (GT), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) at mandibular incisors and canines were evaluated. Cone beam computed tomography images were used to assess alveolar bone morphology. Consequently, distance from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to alveolar crest bone (CEJ: ALV CR B B/L), together with bone thickness at the level of apex (BTHB/L APEX), at mid of the root (BTHB/L ½), and at alveolar crest (BTHB/L MAX) were measured. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis were carried out.

Results
Gingival recessions were found in 44 teeth (20,95%): 30 incisors (21,43%) and 14 canines (20,00%). The majority of teeth presented with thin phenotype. Some significant correlations between soft and hard tissue parameters were observed. After adjusting for patient's age, gender and oral hygiene habits, association between gingival recession and KTW in both incisors and canines, as well as between gingival recession and CEJ:ALV CR BL at incisors, were found.

Conclusions
Gingival recessions at mandibular incisors and canines are more frequent in case of teeth with narrow band of keratinized tissue and alveolar bone dehiscence. Therefore, the abovementioned parameters should be meticulously evaluated and taken into account during orthodontic treatment planning