Influence of Covering Gingival Sulcus with Denture Base on Periodontal Tissue. pH Value in Gingival Sulcus and Amount of Gingival Crevicular Fluid.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of covering gingival sulcus with denture base on periodontal tissue. Six subjects participated in this study. An experimental denture was inserted to a test tooth of each subject that was prepared for a full crown. Each experimental denture was designed to cover the gingival sulcus around the tooth. All subjects used them for two weeks. The parameters were as follows: 1) pH in gingival sulcus, 2) amount of gingival crevicular fluid, 3) tooth mobility, 4) temperature in gingival sulcus, 5) probing depth, 6) GI, and 7) P1I. Measurements were performed during the following periods: 1) pre-examination, 2) after cementation of provisional restoration, 3) during insertion of experimental denture, 4) after cementation of final restoration. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The results were as follows: 1. pH value and amount of GCF increased after insertion of the experimental denture, and returned to same level as pre-examination after cementing of the final restoration. 2. Tooth mobility decreased during insertion of the experimental denture. 3. The changes of the other parameters were not significant. These results suggested that subclinical inflammatory change occurred in periodontal tissue in an early stage accompanied with covering of the gingival sulcus.