Abstract: Objective · To detect gingival thickness of the anterior teeth region of Han nationality youths in Shanghai by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), and evaluate its clinical application feasibility and the gingival biotype.  Methods · Firstly, gingival thickness in the same site (5 participators, 30 sites) was detected by bone sounding and CBCT respectively, and the data were compared. A total of 30 participators with healthy gingival were recruited to the study and examined by the CBCT, the gingival thickness of selected sites (330 sites) was assessed and compared. All the subjects were examined by the experienced doctors and classified into three groups, “thick-type” “middle-type” and “thin-type”. Gingival thickness range and the proportion of every type were obtained. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 13.0.  Results · There was no statistical difference in the thickness of gingival measured by bone sounding and CBCT (P>0.05). The main gingival biotypes of Han nationality youths in Shanghai were “thin-type” and “middle-type”. The average gingival thickness of upper central incisors [(1.32±0.15） mm] was larger than those of upper lateral incisors [(1.07±0.16) mm, P=0.000] and upper canines [(1.08±0.18) mm, P=0.000].  Conclusion · CBCT is feasible for detecting gingival thickness. Gingival thickness of the upper central incisors is significantly larger than those of upper lateral incisors and upper canines. The main gingival biotype of Han nationality youths in Shanghai is “middle-type”, the proportion of “thick-type” is least.

Key words: gingival biotype, cone beam computed tomography, Han population, odontometry, gingival soft tissue