Radiographic CEJ to Alveolar Crest Distances in NZ Dental Students

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine anatomical variations in the radiographic distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest with respect to ethnic heritage and gender in New Zealand dental students. Methods: Digitized bitewing films of 123 second-year, New Zealand dental students were examined with a computer imaging program (Scion Image) on a desktop computer screen. Race of parents and grandparents was obtained by questionnaire. Results: The mean distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar crest across the sample was 0.97 mm (SD=0.24). 18 (14.6%) of the participants had measurements greater than 2 mm, of whom 17 were Asians. Asians had a significantly larger mean distance than non-Asians, 1.10 mm (SD=0.23) compared with 0.83mm (SD=0.17; p<0.001). Gender was not a significant variable. Conclusions: Students of Asian origin had a significantly greater distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest. It remains to be determined whether this is anatomical or disease related.