MODERN VIEW ON ISSUES OF DIAGNOSING GINGIVAL RECESSION

Abstract

Background. Given that the exposure of the tooth root is not only an aesthetic concern but also leads to dental hypersensitivity, cervical caries, non-carious lesions, and even tooth loss, understanding the causes and characteristics of gum recession, along with its timely detection, is crucial and relevant. The aim of this study is to analyze and consolidate scientific research dedicated to the investigation of factors influencing the development of gum recession, its diagnosis, and the clinical features. This understanding is essential for addressing the challenge dealing with the treatment of this condition. A comprehensive review of scientific publications addressing the specified topics was conducted using library sources and search systems, including PubMed, Web of Science, OUCI (Open Ukrainian Citation Index), and Index Copernicus. The prevalence of gingival recession varies from 9.7% in adolescents to nearly 100% in adults. Most investigators identified a higher number of recession areas on both the upper and lower jaws around the central and lateral incisors, as well as the right first molar. However, conflicting findings exist, with some researchers suggesting that gum recession occurs most frequently in the premolars and canines area. Nevertheless, there is a unanimous agreement among researchers that this disease is polyetiological. Authors assess the significance of different factors provoking recession in varying ways. Moreover, under specific conditions, several factors may combine, with one of them dominating. Despite numerous classification attempts by specialists, efforts to propose a classification that accurately reflects the characteristic features of this pathology, the severity of manifestations, and the prognosis of its treatment are still remaining pressing issues. Thus, among the factors that provoke the development of apical migration of the gingival margin, the leading role is played by the thin biotype of the gums and the peculiarities of the anatomical and morphological structure of the periodontal tissues, inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity, incorrect implementation of hygienic and preventive measures, orthopedic and orthodontic devices that lead to mechanical injury. Despite the large number of existing classifications of gum recession, none of them can fully satisfy dentists, as they are not able to objectively determine all the clinical manifestations of the disease, establish a connection with its etiology, and predict the course.