Masticatory mucosa in subjects with different periodontal phenotypes

Aims. The aim of the present investigation was to study thickness of masticatory mucosa and gingival width in subjects with different periodontal phenotypes. Methods: Periodontal phenotypes were defined with the aid of cluster analysis of standardised parameters including mean gingival thickness and width as well as ratio of crown width to its length at maxillary canines, lateral and central incisors of 40 young adults with healthy periodontal conditions. Results: 3 groupings could be observed. Clusters A1 and A2 comprised 75% of all subjects. They were characterised by thin gingiva and a slender tooth form. Clusters Al and A2 were differentiated by gingival width. Cluster B comprised 11 subjects with relatively thick and wide gingiva and a quadratic tooth shape. In general, characteristics of the frontal sextant in the maxilla were also found in other parts of the dentition. Thus, mean thickness of masticatory mucosa as well as gingival width and crown form differed significantly among clusters. In addition, cluster B subjects had a significantly greater mean periodontal probing depth. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify significant factors influencing palatal mucosal thickness. Women had considerably thinner palatal mucosa than men. Furthermore, cluster affiliation had a significant influence on thickness of palatal mucosa. Thickest tissue was found in the premolar region, whereas the mucosa over the root prominence of the first molar represented an anatomical barrier for graft harvesting. Conclusions: Thickness of masticatory mucosa strongly depends on gender and the periodontal phenotype.