Classification & prevalence of dental surface defects in areas of gingival recession- a clinical study

Apical migration of the gingival margin beyond the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) is called as gingival recession. Various classifications of gingival recession have been proposed to evaluate different degrees of damage to periodontal tissues, but do not consider the condition of the exposed root surface: presence of an identifiable CEJ and presence of root abrasion. Sometimes these lesions may be associated with enamel abrasion. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose the new classification of dental surface defects in gingival recession area.

Two factors were evaluated to set up a classification system: presence (A) or absence (B) of CEJ and presence (+) or absence (-) of dental surface discrepancy caused by abrasion (step). Four classes (A+, A-, B+, and B-) were identified on the basis of these variables. The classification was used on 1,000 gingival recessions to examine the distribution of the four classes.

Out of 1,000 exposed root surfaces, 380 showed an identifiable CEJ associated with step (Class A+, 38%); 280 an identifiable CEJ without any associated step (Class A-, 28%); 200 an unidentifiable CEJ with a step (Class B+, 20%); and 140 an unidentifiable CEJ without any associated step (Class B-, 14%).

The proposed classification describes the dental surface defects that are of paramount importance in diagnosing gingival recession areas which might help in selecting the definite treatment approach.