What is the Palatal Mucosa Thickness on a CT Scan?

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Methods: 

 

CT scans taken from 100 subjects were evaluated.  Measurement points were taken from the gingival margin to the middle palatine suture at the canine, premolar, and molar sites. 

 

Results:  

 

The mean thickness of the posterior palatal mucosa was 3.83 mm ± 0.58 mm.  

Thinner palate for females (3.66 ± 0.52 mm) compared to males (3.95 mm ± 0.6 mm).

Palatal thickness increased with age.  

The palate was thickest at the second premolar site and was thinnest between the first and second molars. 

There was an overall increase in the thickness of the palatal mucosa as we move towards the middle of the palate.

 

Conclusions: 

 

CT scans are a valuable source of data for measuring the dimensions of the palatal mucosa and are non-invasive.  The canine to premolar region has the most uniformly thick mucosa and seems the most appropriate donor site for connective tissue grafts.

 

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO:

 

Thickness of Posterior Palatal Masticatory Mucosa: The Use of Computerized Tomography

Song JE, Um YJ, Kim CS, Choi SH, Cho KS, Kim CK, Chai JK, Jung UW

Journal of Periodontology Mar 2008, Vol. 82, No.2, Pages 227- 233

 

 

 

3 thoughts on “What is the Palatal Mucosa Thickness on a CT Scan?”

  1. I find this article very interesting in view of the fact that one of my graduate students is using a CT scan of maxilla to see the thickness’ of the maxillary palatal bone with out the palatal mucosa, the research will help her in identifying the best area for placement of mini orthodontic screws
    thank you Dr :Gebrael fir selecting this wonderful article.
    dr.Galil