Evaluation of Pink Esthetic Score in Maxillary Anterior Dentition an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The anterior dentition is surrounded by soft tissue that is vital to the overall esthetic appearance of the smile, and one of the most commonly used indices to objectively assess the soft tissue framework around dental implants and in natural teeth is the Pink Esthetic Score (PES).

Objective: To assess the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) in anterior maxillary Dentition and its correlation with age, gender and ethnicity in young population of Karachi.

Methods: It was an analytical cross sectional study carried out in Dental Out Patient Department, Dow University of Health Sciences for a period of 12 months. 420 participants (210 males and 210 females) aged 18-30 years were selected through non-probability convenience sampling with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standardized view photographs of the anterior teeth of the maxilla were taken with a digital single lens reflex camera equipped with a macro lens and ring flash. Images were analyzed in Adobe Photoshop and PES was calculated between canines (canine to canine) using the scale tool in Photoshop. Independent sample t test and one way ANOVA were used to analyse the data in SPSS Version 25.

Results: The most common score was 12 (43% of the sample) and 13 (39% of the sample). The scores ranged from 8 to 14, with 82% of the participants having a score of 12 to 13. There was no significant difference between the genders (p=0.824). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the age groups (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the ethnicities (p=0.086).

Conclusion: In healthy natural dentition, consistently good gingival esthetics is achieved, and a realistic, local reference range is established for PES to inform treatment planning for restorative and implant based treatments in the anterior maxilla.