• Suphot Tamsailom D.D.S., M.Sc., Diplomate, Thai Board of Periodontology
• Thanaporn Torsricharoen
• Benjaporn Thanaratikul

Objective This study aimed to determine the relationships between the vertical and horizontal
dimensions of interproximal embrasure and the presence of interdental papilla in the maxillary anterior
teeth of healthy periodontal young adults.

Materials and methods One hundred and thirty-three interproximal sites of maxillary anterior teeth
of 31 third year dental students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University who had healthy
periodontal status, ages between 19-21 years, were examined. The presence or absence of the
interdental papilla was clinically determined. Periapical radiographs were taken on each subject using
individual plastic stent with 3.17 mm metal ball for reference and then were scanned to digital images.
The vertical and horizontal distances including: vertical distance from contact point to crest of bone
(A1); vertical distance from crest of bone to CEJ (A2); horizontal distance between adjacent CEJs (B),
were measured with analyzing program and then statistically analyzed using Chi-square, Spearmanûs
correlation, Independent T-test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results The presence or absence of interdental papilla was correlated with A1 and B (p < 0.05),
whereas no correlation was found with A2 (p > 0.05). In the presence of interdental papilla group,
the mean A1 and B were 4.33 ± 0.70 mm and 1.49 ± 0.43 mm, respectively.

Conclusion This study demonstrates the significance of vertical and horizontal dimensions of
interproximal embrasure to the presence of interdental papilla.

(CU Dent J. 2010;33:163-72)