Interdental papillae height assessment in the aesthetic zone of the maxilla

Abstract

Open gingival embrasure occurs as a result of a deficiency of papilla apically to the contact point. Open gingival embrasures are a complex aesthetic and functional problem. Several risk factors lead to the development of an open gingival embrasure: aging; periodontal disease; ratio between inter-dental bone and interproximal contact point between adjacent teeth, length of the embrasure area, root angulations, and triangular-shaped crowns. 1088 interdental papillae in the aesthetic zone of the maxilla of 220 individuals were investigated. The height of the interdental papillae was measured according to the classification of Nordland & Tarnow (1998). The analysis of the results shows that the frequency and severity of height loss of interdental papillae increases with age.