Lesion localisation
Gingival recession exposing dentin
The most common aetiology of exposing radicular dentin is
recession of the gingival marginal tissues. This process is
characterised by the displacement of the gingival margin
apical to the cement-enamel junction thereby exposing vis-
ible cementum of the root surface, which is then rapidly lost
[51]. Epidemiologic surveys revealed that gingival recession
is a common entity amounting to 60-90 % of the adult
Western European population [52]. It is probable that no
one factor in isolation leads to the development of gingival
recession. Possible causes are thin alveolar cortex, perio-
dontitis and management of the condition, buccal or lingual
dehiscence and fenestration of alveolar bone, trauma, ortho-
dontic therapy, oral piercing, self-inflicted injury, prostho-
dontic treatment traumatising the keratinized gingival and
traumatic toothbrushing. These factors could act synchro-
nously [53].
Data are limited, but from reviews [53-55], gingival
recession is not age-related. However, it is reported as being
positively associated with some patients suffering from hor-
izontal bone loss due to osteoporosis [56]. Gingival reces-
sion can also be associated with both healthy and diseased
periodontium and high and low standards of oral hygiene
[53]. L๖e et al. [57] reported that the occurrence of gingival recession was significantly higher in people without any dental hygiene compared to those with a reasonable level of oral hygiene.