Correlation of Periodontal Phenotype with Periodontal Probing Depth in Maxillary Anterior Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Probe Transparency Method

Abstract

ABSTRACT Obejective: To correlate periodontal phenotype with periodontal probing depth in maxillary anterior teeth in patients reporting to a tertiary care dental hospital for their routine periodontal care using probe transparency method Methodology: In this cross-sectional study carried out at Lahore medical and dental college, Lahore a total of 180 patients were included. The periodontal phenotype /gingival thickness was identified using the probe transparency method that involved placement of a probe inside the gingival sulcus and determining its transparency through the gingival sulcus. The periodontal probing depth was measured by determining the distance between the base of sulcus and gingival margin using a Michigan O periodontal probe with William’s markings. Assessment of both periodontal phenotype and probing depth was done by the same examiner to minimize chances of any bias. Results: In this study, patients’ mean age was 30.95±6.08 years, 96(53.33%) patients were male. Thin phenotype was observed in 78(43.33%) patients and thick phenotype was observed in 102(56.67%) patients. A strong positive correlation was found between the average probing depth and phenotype of the patients. i.e., r=0.901. Conclusion: This study concluded that a strong relationship exists between the periodontal phenotype with periodontal probing depth in maxillary anterior teeth in patients reporting to a tertiary care dental hospital for routine periodontal care using probe transparency method

Keywords

• Michigan O probe
• Phenotype
• Probing depth