Chapter 7 - Mucogingival Deformities and Conditions Around Teeth

What is mucogingival?

The portion of the oral mucosa that covers the alveolar process including the gingiva and the adjacent alveolar mucosa.

What defines a mucogingival deformity or condition?

Any type of defect associated with deviation from the normal anatomic/morphologic relationship between the gingiva and alveolar mucosa.

Is there an age group that is more susceptible to mucogingival deformities?

Mucogingival deformities can affect all age groups.

What is the most common mucogingival condition?

Gingival/soft tissue recession.

What are some common conditions identified in mucogingival deformities?

Gingival recession, lack of keratinized gingiva, decreased vestibular depth, aberrant frenum/muscle position, and gingival excess.

What characterizes a normal mucogingival condition?

The absence of disease states such as gingival recession, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

How does periodontal biotype relate to mucogingival conditions?

It describes features of the periodontium influenced by genetic and environmental factors and has a strong association with mucogingival deformities.

What is a thin-scalloped gingival biotype?

A slender triangular-shaped crown with thin, delicate, friable tissue and a narrow zone of keratinized tissue.

What distinguishes thick-flat gingival biotypes from others?

They have a wide, square-shaped crown and thick, dense fibrotic tissue with a wide band of keratinized tissue.

What is gingival recession?

Movement of the gingival margin to a point apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).

What percentage of people older than 65 show signs of gingival recession?

Approximately 88%.

What is the relationship between keratinized tissue and gingival health?

A broad/wide band of keratinized tissue offers greater resistance to tissue recession.

What is the Miller Classification System used for?

To classify the level of gingival margin with respect to the mucogingival junction and underlying alveolar bone.

What is Class I in the Miller Classification?

Marginal tissue recession that does not extend to the mucogingival junction with no periodontal bone loss.

What does Recession Type 1 (RT1) represent in the Cairo Classification System?

Gingival recession with no loss of interproximal attachment.

What are risk factors for the development of gingival recession?

Thin tissue biotype and mechanical trauma from aggressive brushing.

What is suggested if the patient's gingiva is healthy/stable?

Monitoring may be sufficient; surgical intervention might not be necessary if recession is arrested early.

What should clinicians assess before determining treatment for gingival recession defects?

Severity and extent of symptoms, tissue biotype, and individualized patient-specific factors.

Why might a clinician choose surgical intervention for gingival recession?

To increase gingival thickness and zone of keratinized tissue when associated with esthetic impairment or significant clinical concerns.

How much keratinized tissue is desirable to maintain periodontal health?

Approximately 2 mm of keratinized tissue and 1 mm of keratinized gingiva.