Correlation between Gingival Biotype and Occurrence of Gingival Recession

Gingival recession is the displacement of the gingival margin apical to the cemento-enamel junction resulting in the exposure of root surface which puts the patient at risk for dentine hypersensitivity, root caries, abrasion/erosion of roots etc. The etiology can be inflammatory periodontal disease, developmental anatomic abnormalities (aberrant frenal attachment, thin bony plate), toothbrush injury, tooth malposition and iatrogenic factors. Besides, gingival morphology plays an important role in causing gingival recession. The present study aims at assessing the co-relation between gingival biotype and occurrence of gingival recession. A total no. of 20 patients with 30 recession sites were clinically examined for the type of gingival recession present followed by the assessment of gingival biotype after administration of topical anaesthetic agent. Based on the findings a correlation between the incidences of gingival recession will be assessed with that of the biotype through Pearson co-relation test. A statistically significant co-relation between gingival biotype and occurrence of gingival recession was found with higher no. of incidence of recession in patients with thin biotype. A clinician’s knowledge in identifying gingival biotypes is paramount in identifying the indirect causes of recession. Patients with thin biotype are susceptible to higher incidence of gingival recession.