Quantification of gingival contour and volume from digital impressions as a novel method for assessing gingival health.

Objective: To evaluate the novel assessment of gingival contour volume measurement from digital impressions compared with traditional clinical indices (Modified Gingival Index and Bleeding Index) and oral microflora following a dental prophylaxis.
Methods: Following baseline examinations and full mouth digital impression using the LAVA™ Oral Chairside Scanner (COS), subjects had one maxillary quadrant and the contra-lateral mandibular quadrant randomly allocated to receive a complete dental prophylaxis. Subjects then brushed twice daily at home using a standard toothpaste. After 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks gingivitis examinations and digital impressions of the maxillary and mandibular arches were taken.
Results: Significant improvements in gingivitis for the prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis quadrants were observed up to six weeks using both the traditional gingivitis indices and the assessment of change in gingival contour volume from the digital impressions.
Conclusion: The assessment of changes in gingival contour volume may be a promising technique for the objective and quantitative clinical evaluation of products or procedures used to treat gingivitis. The effects of a dental prophylaxis were demonstrated by both this novel measure and traditional clinical indices.
(© 2011 FDI World Dental Federation.)