Decision-making in classifying gingival recession defects - A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Diagnostics
• Clinical Classification Systems

Background:

• Multiple classification systems exist for gingival recession defects (GRDs).
• Current popular GRD classification systems face scrutiny due to recent evidence.
• A systematic review is needed to evaluate these systems against scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess existing classification systems for gingival recession defects (GRDs).
• To evaluate the utility and limitations of various GRD classification systems based on current scientific literature.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using predefined criteria.
• Databases searched included PubMed (Medline) and handsearched sources.
• 10 full-text articles were selected from an initial pool of 349 identified articles.

Main Results:

• Classifications reviewed include those by Sullivan and Atkins, Miller, Smith, Nordland and Tarnow, Kumar and Masamatti, and Mahajan.
• The Sullivan and Atkins system was prominent until 1985; Miller's system has been widely used since.
• Miller's classification system for marginal tissue recession has been the most popular since its introduction.

Conclusions:

• No current classification system for gingival recession defects (GRDs) perfectly meets ideal criteria.
• Recently developed classification systems show promise as more comprehensive and practical alternatives.
• Further evaluation of newer GRD classification systems is warranted.