Papilla Fill
The degree to which the interdental or interimplant gingival papilla occupies the embrasure space between an implant crown and adjacent tooth or implant.
Full Definition
Papilla fill is a qualitative and quantitative measure of soft-tissue volume in the interproximal embrasure adjacent to an implant-supported restoration. It is closely related to the vertical distance between the crestal bone and the contact point of the prosthesis: where this distance exceeds approximately 5 mm, papilla fill is frequently incomplete, producing a 'black triangle'. In editorial work, 'papilla fill' is a noun phrase and should not be hyphenated. Editors should distinguish it from 'papilla height', which is a linear measurement, and 'papilla index', which refers to specific validated scoring systems.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate 'papilla fill' as a noun phrase. Distinguish from 'papilla height' (linear) and named papilla indices (scored systems).
In Context
- "Complete papilla fill was observed in 78% of implant sites where the bone-to-contact-point distance measured 4 mm or less." — Retrospective clinical study
- "The author should clarify whether 'papilla fill' is being assessed visually or via a validated index, as the manuscript uses both approaches interchangeably." — Manuscript editing note