Supracrestal Gingival Tissue Measurements in Healthy Human Periodontium

This randomized, blinded study compared, contralaterally, the dimensions of supracrestal gingival tissue (SGT) in healthy human periodontium. Sulcular probing reaching the crestal bone was performed in 100 dental students (400 teeth [first molars and second premolars] and 1,600 sites). Contralateral measurements were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. SGT measurements ranged from 1.0 to 6.0 mm. Contralateral measurements showed no statistical difference (P = .096). Measurement of SGT contralaterally prior to crown lengthening or restorative procedures may dictate the needed amount of bone removal or tooth preparation into the sulcus.