Analysis Of The Thickness Of Palatal Masticatory Mucosa(TPMM)Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT)in Periodontally Healthy Subjects

ObjectivesThe palatal masticatory mucosa(PMM)of maxillary is the main donor site for soft-tissue-grafting surgeries.The thickness of PMM(TPMM)is an important factor affecting the surgery protocol.The aim of this study was to measure TPMM using Cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT)in periodontally healthy subjects.Relationships of TPMM with genders and the palatal vault morphology were also examined,trying to provide theoretical basis for clinical doctors.Materials and MethodsSixty systemically healthy young adults(22 males and 38 females),from young doctors and bachelor candidates in Yantai Stomatological Hospital and Binzhou Medical University,were enrolled in this study.After informed the aim and protocol of this study,they signed the informed consents.The thickness of maxillary posterior masticatory mucosa,at five tooth positions from canine to second molar,were collected by CBCT from four different levels,as 2 mm,5 mm,8 mm,and 12 mm away from the margin of gingiva.The relationships between different thickness and gender,palatal vault morphology and different sites were analysed statistically.Results1.The overall mean thickness of PMM was 3.5 ±1.1 mm.There was no significant difference between the TPMM and the genders(p>0.05).2.The average thickness of the palatal mucosa was 3.29±0.84 mm at the canine area,3.58±0.79 mm at the first premolar,3.55±0.95 mm at the second premolar,3.38±0.88 mm at the first molar and 3.57±1.49 mm at the second molar respectively.3.The soft tissue was the thickest at the 12 mm level in all teeth except for Ca,and thinnest at the 5 mm level in M1 and M2.4.At 5 mm and 8 mm level,the thickness of the soft tissue decreased gradually from Ca to M2.However,at 12 mm level,TPMM increased gradually from Ca to M2,though there was a slight decrease at M1.5.There was no significant difference between TPMM and palatal vault morphology(p>0.05).Conclusions1.TPMM increased from the Ca to P2 but decreased at the M1 and increased again at M2.The ideal donor site for connective tissue graft is from Ca to P2,and caution should be taken with the Greater Palatine Neurovascular Bundle(GPB).2.There was no statistical difference between TPMM and genders.3.There was no statistical difference between TPMM and palatal vault morphology(p>0.05).