The Influence of the Distance from the Contact Point to the Crest of Bone on the Presence of the Interproximal Dental Papilla.

Background: Loss of the interproximal dental papilla may cause functional and, especiallyin the maxillary anterior region, phonetic and severe esthetic problems. Thepurpose of this study was to investigate whether the distance from the contactpoint to the bone crest on standardized periapical radiographs of themaxillary anterior teeth could be correlated with the presence of the interproximalpapilla in Taiwanese patients.Methods: In total, 200 interproximal sites of maxillary anterior teeth in 45 randomlyselected patients were examined. Selected subjects were adult Taiwanesewith fully erupted permanent dentition. The presence of the interproximalpapilla was determined visually. If there was no visible space apical to thecontact area, the papilla was recorded as being present. The distance from thecontact point to the crest of bone was measured on standardized periapicalradiographs using a paralleling technique with a RinnXCP holder.Results: Data revealed that when the distance from the contact point to the bone creston standardized periapical radiographs was 5 mm or less, the papillae werealmost 100% present. When the distance was 6 mm, 51% of the papillaewere present, and when the distance was 7 mm or greater, only 23% of thepapillae were present.Conclusion: The distance from the contact point to the bone crest on standardized periapicalradiographs of the maxillary anterior teeth is highly associated with thepresence or absence of the interproximal papilla in Taiwanese patients, and isa useful guide for clinical evaluation.