Dimension of Gingival Papillae between External Hexagon Dental Implants in Superior Anterior Sites (original) (raw)

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the height of the papillae located in interproximal, superior anterior rehabilitated areas between external hexagon implants and its relation with Jemt index, as well as correlate the height of the papillae with the distances between adjacent implants, distances from the tip of the papilla to the dental contact point, rehabilitation time, and patient's age. Materials and methods: Twenty superior anterior, inter-implant areas were evaluated using clinical and radiographic exams. Results: Positive correlation was found between the papilla size and the distance from the contact point to the bone crest. No significant correlation was revealed between the papilla size and the Jemt index; between the distances from the tip of the papilla to the contact point; or between the adjacent implants. In addition, there was no association between the papilla size with rehabilitation time or patient's age. No expressive difference was identified by comparing the mean papilla height measure in this study with the measures reported in the literature. However, a considerable result was found by assessing the papilla size and the distance from the bone crest to the dental contact point. Conclusion: The present study did not reveal significant correlations between the papilla size and other investigated factors, such as Jemt index, inter-implant distance, contact point distance, and patient's age. The only significant association reported was a positive correlation between the papilla size and the distance from the bone crest to the contact point. Clinical significance: It is of utmost importance to observe the gingival papilla behavior over time and not only at the moment of prosthesis installation.