According to Tarnow, the presence or absence of the papilla is determined by what distance?

The presence or absence of the interdental papilla is significantly influenced by the distance between the contact points of adjacent teeth to the crest of the gingiva. Tarnow's studies suggest that when this distance is 5 mm or less, it is likely to maintain the papilla. This relationship is vital in periodontal health and aesthetics, particularly in restorative dentistry and implantology.

When the distance exceeds 5 mm, there is a higher likelihood that the papilla will be absent due to the greater distance that the gingival tissue must fill. Thus, understanding this parameter aids clinicians in predicting the presence of the papilla, which is critical for achieving optimal soft tissue aesthetics in restorative procedures.