OBJECTIVETo observe and measure the biologic width in Chinese people.

METHODSJaws of three male Han Chinese cadavers were collected. All specimens were taken as autopsy as block sections. A total of 174 mesiodistal and buccolingual sections in 6 microm thickness were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The biologic width was measured under microscope with a micrometer at the middle of the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual sides. Differences in biologic width were compared among 4 measurement sites, as well as among anterior tooth, premolar, and molar groups.

RESULTSThe mean of biologic width of measured teeth was 2.17 mm, with the average width of junctional epithelium being 1.07 mm and the average width of connective tissue being 1.10 mm. No statistic difference was found among 4 measured sites. The biologic width of premolars (2.23 mm) and molars (2.25 mm) was larger than that of anterior teeth (2.07 mm).

CONCLUSIONSThe average biologic width of three Chinese people is 2.17 mm. The biologic width of posterior teeth is larger than that of anterior teeth.