ISSN : 2663-2187

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DIGITAL INTRAORAL SCAN AND CONVENTIONAL MEASUREMENT METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE WIDTH OF ATTACHED GINGIVA: A CLINICAL STUDY

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Dr. Afreen Siddiqui, Dr. Rashmi Hegde, Dr. Nida Shaikh, Dr. Salika Sheikh, Dr. Nawar Zahra, Farheen Siddiqui
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.7.6.2025.85-95

Abstract

Introduction: The width of attached gingiva (WAG) is crucial for periodontal stability, protecting against inflammation, trauma, and recession. Conventional methods for measuring WAG, such as periodontal probing and Lugol’s iodine staining, are widely used but often limited by operator variability, estimation errors, and patient discomfort. With advancements in digital dentistry, intraoral scanners (IOS) offer a non-invasive, reproducible alternative for measuring gingival parameters. Aim: To evaluate and compare the digital measurements of width of attached gingiva with the conventional periodontal probe method. Methodology: This clinical study was conducted in Western Maharashtra on 20 systemically healthy patients, assessing 40 sites (20 maxillary and 20 mandibular anterior sextants). WAG was first measured using Lugol’s iodine staining and William’s periodontal probe. The same sites were then scanned digitally, and WAG was assessed using STL files generated from 3D virtual models. All measurements were performed by a single examiner. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent sample t-tests with a significance level of p<0.05. Results and Conclusion: Digital and conventional methods showed close agreement, with mean WAG values of 4.05 mm (conventional) and 4.10 mm (digital) in the maxilla, and 3.25 mm and 3.286 mm respectively in the mandible. 35% of sites had identical readings, while 65% showed negligible differences. Digital intraoral scanning provides an accurate, non-invasive, and clinically acceptable alternative to conventional methods for measuring WAG. While conventional techniques remain reliable, digital methods offer added benefits of efficiency, patient comfort, and data storage—though cost and training must be considered for broader adoption.

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