The anatomic structure around interproximal area plays an important role not only in the natural teeth, but also in the implant.

The loss of papilla can lead to cosmetic deformity, phonetic problem, food impaction on the anterior dentition, and masticatory problem, food impaction and proximal caries on the posterior dentition.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between interdental papilla existence and distance from contact point to alveolar crest in Korean posteior dentition.

45 Korean adult patients(31males, 14 females) participated in this study. Measurements were carreid out total 126 interproximal areas, 18 first premolar, 31 second premolar, 40 first molar, and 37 second molar areas. Papilla index was recorded as suggested by Jemt. Distance between contact point and alveolar crest measrued by Florida probe^R, after flap elevation. Each distance was measured 10 times by every 0.1mm unit.

The results showed that the mean Papilla index 1.37 and mean distance between contact point and alveolar crest was 7.44mm. The correlation between the Papilla index and distance was high negative correlation(Pearson correlation=-0.47), and it was statistically significant(P=0.000)

When the distance between contact point and alveolar crest was 5mm, the loss of papilla was appeared almost in half cases. When the distance was 6mm, the papilla loss was present 95%, when 7mm, the papilla loss was 100%.