A Clinical Evaluation of Anatomic Features of Gingiva in Dental Students in Tabriz, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The anatomical features of gingiva are important in appropriate periodontal treatment planning. This study was designed to determine the anatomic features of gingival in a group of dental students in Tabriz, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred healthy subjects (aged 20-24 years old) with no history of periodontal or orthodontic treatment and a gingival index of zero or one were included. The following measurements were made using a periodontal probe: the distance between the gingival margin and base of gingival sulcus (depth of sulcus); the distance between the gingival margin and mucogingival junction (keratinized gingiva); and the distance between base of gingival sulcus and mucogingival junction (attached gingiva). Existence of free gingival groove was also recorded by observation. Mean values of collected data were calculated. RESULTS: The widest attached gingiva and keratin-ized gingiva on the buccal aspect was seen in upper lateral incisor and their minimum in lower premo-lars. The maximum depth of sulcus on the buccal surface was recorded in upper right molar and its minimum on the buccal surface was found in lower left canine. All of the studied students had free gin-gival groove on the buccal or oral aspect of at least one tooth. CONCLUSION: The anatomic features found in this study were similar to those of the previous studies. However, mild variations with regard to race differ-ences were observed.