Factors associated with the appearance of gingival papillae

P>Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with the fill of inter-dental spaces by gingival papillae. Materials and Methods Ninety-six adult subjects were evaluated. Papilla score (PS), tooth form/shape, interproximal contact length and gingival thickness were recorded for 672 maxillary anterior and first pre-molar interproximal sites. Statistical analyses included a non-parametric chi 2 test, anova, the Mixed Procedure for SAS and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Results Papilla deficiency was more frequent in older subjects (p < 0.05), as papilla height decreased 0.012 mm with each year of increasing age (p < 0.05). Competent papillae (complete fill inter-dentally) were associated with: (1) crown width: length >= 0.87; (2) proximal contact length >= 2.8 mm; (3) bone crest-contact point < 5 mm; and (4) interproximal gingival tissue thickness >= 1.5 mm. Gingival thickness correlated negatively with PS (r=-0.37 to -0.54) and positively with tissue height (r=0.23-0.43). Tooth form (i.e. crown width to length ratio) correlated negatively with PS (r=-0.37 to -0.61). Other parameters failed to show any significant effects. Conclusions Gingival papilla appearance was associated significantly with subject age, tooth form/shape, proximal contact length, crestal bone height and interproximal gingival thickness.