Clinical and tomography evaluation of periodontal phenotypes of Brazilian dental students

BACKGROUND: The periodontal phenotype (PP) plays an important role in the function, esthetics, and maintenance of periodontal health and has a great influence in periodontal, restorative, and dental implant therapies. AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a clinical evaluation of the PP and its morphometric variations through the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), from dentistry students with periodontal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty students were examined, and the clinical parameters of probing depth and width of keratinized tissue (WKT) in the upper anterior segment were accessed. The gingival thickness was evaluated as thick or thin, through the translucency of the periodontal probe through the marginal gingiva. By convenience sample, 13 students were selected to assess bone thickness and gingival thickness and biological width through the previous CBCT examination. RESULTS: The most prevalent PP, according to the classification by De Rouck et al., was the thick scalloped (55%), and using the classification of Kao and Pasquinelli, the thick PP was most common (73,3%). The thick PP in both the classifications was more prevalent in both genders and the WKT was significantly higher in the thick-flat scalloped PP. The bone thickness was always greater than the gingival thickness in CBCT examinations both in the measures 1 mm and 3 mm above the bone crest. The average of the biological width measurement was 2.02 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The thick PP was most prevalent in the sample studied, and the gingival thickness was always thinner than the bone thickness in the measures evaluated.