ABSTRACT
Gingival recession is displacement of the soft tissue margin apically leading to root
surface exposure. Tooth malpositions, high muscle attachment, frenal pull have been
associated with gingival tissue recession. Occlusal trauma is defined as injury resulting
in tissue changes within the attachment apparatus as a result of occlusal forces.
Trauma from occlusion may cause a shift in tooth position and the direction of the
movement depends on the occlusal force. We present the clinical and radiological findings
and the limitation of periodontal treatment of a severe gingival recession in a case
with traumatic occlusion. A 16 years old male, systemically healthy and nonsmoking
patient presented to our clinic with severe gingival recession of mandibular canines
and incisors. Clinical evaluation revealed extensive gingival recession on the vestibules
of mandibular anterior segment. Patient has an Angle class III malocclusion and deep
bite. To maintain the teeth until orthodontic therapy and maxillofacial surgery, mucogingival
surgeries were performed to obtain attached gingiva to provide oral hygiene and reduce
inflammation. After mucogingival surgeries, limited attached gingiva was gained in
this case. Regular periodontal maintenance therapy was performed at 2 month intervals
to preserve mandibular anterior teeth. Multidisciplinary approach should be performed
in this kind of case for satisfactory results. Unless occlusal relationship was corrected,
treatment of severe gingival recession will be problematic. For satisfactory periodontal
treatment, early diagnosis of trauma from occlusion and its treatment is very important.
(Eur J Dent 2008;2:127-133)
Key words:
Severe gingival recession - Malocclusion - Mucogingival surgery
