Abstract
to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). This pilot study was conducted to record and compare the position of the gingival margin relative to the CEJ before and after flap elevation.
Methods: In total, 27 patients who were referred for surgical crown lengthening were included. Gingival margin location relative to the CEJ was recorded on sound teeth mesial and distal to the tooth that required crown lengthening. A single calibrated examiner conducted all the examinations using a UNC-15 probe and a custom-made stent. Data were analyzed by paired t-test, independent t-test and personal correlation.
Results: The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of the study sample was 25 (+/- 8) years. The mean values for GM-CEJ distance before (closed) and after (open) flap reflection were 1.32 (+/- 0.64) mm and 1.34 (+/- 0.62) mm, respectively. The difference between the open and closed measurements was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The GM-CEJ distance was negatively associated with age (r=-0.44, p<0.001). Females had a significantly greater mean GM-CEJ distance than did males (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, no differences were found in the GM-CEJ distance measurements obtained by the open and closed methods.