Factors Influencing the Presence of Interproximal Dental Papillae Between Maxillary Anterior Teeth

Background: The presence of interdental papillae in the maxillary anterior region plays a key esthetic role. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of demographic variables, such as gender and ages, and radiographic measurements of interdental area anatomy on the presence of interdental papillae. Methods: Periapical radiographs of 102 interdental papillae between maxillary anterior teeth were obtained in 30 adults who had fully erupted permanent dentition, healthy gingiva, and well-aligned maxillary anterior teeth. A radiopaque material was placed on the tip of the interdental papilla and the mucogingival junction. Radiographic measurements of tooth shape, alveolar bone level, and interdental space anatomy were undertaken using computer software. Results: When each factor was evaluated individually, the shorter the distance between the contact bone and alveolar bone crest, the shorter the distance between two adjacent teeth, and the smaller the embrasure area, the more likely interdental papillae were present. Interdental papillae were more likely to be present between teeth with a rectangular tooth form. When all factors were evaluated together, the presence of interdental papillae was only significantly related to the distance from the contact point to the bone crest (P = 0.038). Conclusion: In the anterior maxillary region, the shorter the distance between the contact point to the bone crest, the more likely interdental papillae were present. J Periodontol 2010;81:318-324.