Influence of Local Factors on Cementoenamel Junction–Alveolar Bone Crest Distance in Primary Dentition

Objective: This study illustrated the influence of local factors (dental biofilm, gingival bleeding, probing depth, proximal contact and proximal caries/inadequate restorations) on the cementoenamel junction(CEJ)-alveolar bone crest (ABC) distance in primary canines and molars of healthy children with complete primary dentition. Study Design: Two hundred and four patients have been examined clinically with regard to biofilm's presence, gingival status, probing depth, proximal contact and dental condition (carious lesions/restorations). Two bitewings of each patient were also taken. Eight dental surfaces (second molars mesial, first molars mesial and distal, and canines distal) could be analyzed per bitewing and the CEJ-ABC distance was measured using a digimatic caliper. Statistical analyses were controlled by dental arch, tooth type and surface. Mann-Whitney test was used to verify the association between CEJ-ABC distance and local factors. Results: After stratifying the data according to those influencing factors, the only local factor associated with increased CEJ-ABC distances in most of the different analyzed dental surfaces was the increased probing depth (>2mm), although only two dental surfaces showed statistical significance(p<0.01). Conclusion: Among the analyzed local factors, increased probing depth was the only factor that proved to be relevant in children's alveolar bone loss screening.

periodontal diseases; alveolar bone loss, diagnosis; radiography, bitewing; dentition, primary; child, preschool

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