Biologic Width
The combined dimension of the junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment around a tooth or implant that must be preserved to maintain peri-implant health.
Full Definition
Biologic width refers to the physiological space occupied by the sulcular epithelium, junctional epithelium, and supracrestal connective tissue fibres at the base of the gingival sulcus. In implant dentistry, respecting this dimension during prosthetic design is critical; violation can lead to chronic inflammation, bone loss, and soft-tissue recession. Editors may encounter 'biologic width violation' in case reports and should recognise it as a distinct clinical complication. The American spelling 'biologic' is standard in North American implant literature; 'biological width' is an acceptable variant in British-influenced publications.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'biologic width' in North American publications and 'biological width' in British-style texts. Flag inconsistency within the same document.
In Context
- "The prosthetic margin was positioned to respect the biologic width and prevent crestal bone resorption." — Prosthodontic case note
- "Violation of the biologic width was identified as the aetiology of the patient's persistent periimplant inflammation." — Peer-reviewed article