Frequency of Gingival Recession in Correlation With Gingival Phenotype: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of gingival recession in relation to gingival phenotype of healthy patients.

Methodology: A total of 216 healthy patients, consisting of 95 males and 121 females across various age groups from 13 to 70 years old, were examined in this study. Gingival phenotype was determined by four examiners using dental probe transparency, chosen for its non-invasive nature and high reproducibility. Gingival contour and shape were evaluated defining thin gingiva as transparent and thick as non-transparent. After observing 216 patients (108 thick, 108 thin), frequency analysis was conducted to ascertain which phenotype correlated more closely with gingival recession.

Results: Analysis of the relationship between gingival recession and phenotype revealed a stronger correlation in patients with a thin phenotype. On the upper incisors, 53% of patients had gingival recession, while 46% exhibited a thin phenotype. The lower incisors showed even higher rates of recession, with 83% of patients affected, of which 68% had a thin phenotype. Chi-square test results confirmed the significant association between gingival phenotype and recession.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that individuals with a thin gingival phenotype have a higher prevalence of gingival recession, especially in the lower teeth.