Periodontics · patient case question
The gingival appearance described corresponds to which biotype?
Patient case: Soft Tissue Assessment and Gingival Biotype
demo: 26-year-old female
chief: Consultation before orthodontic treatment.
history: Non-contributory.
meds: None
findings: Photographic assessment shows highly scalloped gingival architecture with a translucent margin through which the underlying periodontal probe is visible, and minimal keratinized tissue at the mandibular incisors. The dorsal tongue shows deep grooves radiating from a central fissure.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Thin biotype
- A. Average biotype falls between the two extremes; the description given is clearly the thin end.
- B. Thick biotype shows flat architecture, dense fibrotic tissue, a wide keratinized band, and no probe visibility through the margin.
- C. Biotype is routinely assessed clinically by probe transparency and by measuring the keratinized tissue band.
- D. Correct. Thin biotype is characterized by highly scalloped architecture, a delicate translucent margin through which a probe is visible, and a narrow band of keratinized tissue. It is more susceptible to recession following orthodontic movement or surgery.
Note: Probe transparency through the gingival margin is the simplest chairside test: if you can see the probe, the tissue is thin.