Abstract: Abstract：Objective To use cone-beam computed tomography to measure the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa in young people of Han nationality, analyze the change tendency and examine the associations of palatal masticatory mucosa with gender、palatal vault morphology and periodontal biotype. Methods 32 periodontally healthy youths of Han nationality (15 males, 17females) were included. The thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa, at five tooth positions from canine to second molar, were collected by CBCT from four different levels that 3, 6, 9 and 12mm away from the gingival margin. Futhermore, periodontal biotypes were determined according to transparency of periodontal probe through gingival margin in maxillary central incisor. Results The overall mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa was 3.66 1.15mm, 3.23 0.71mm in canine region, 3.53 0.75mm in the first premolar region, 4.87 0.58mm in the second premolar region, 3.21 0.90mm in the first molar region and 4.39 1.67mm in the second molar region. There were some differences in the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa between the groups with high or low palatal vaults in some tooth positions. Conclusions The palatal masticatory mucosa thickness increased from canine to premolar region but decreased at the first molar region and increased again in the second molar region. And the palatal mucosa thickness also increased as the distance from the gingival margin increased. The association of palatal masticatory mucosa with palatal vault morphology was observed. The premolar region was recommended as the most appropriate donor site.

Key words: Keywords：palatal masticatory mucosa, palatal vault morphology