Objectives: To review the prevalence and current concepts of the mechanisms and aetiology of gingival recession and present the principles of assessment and management of the patient with gingival recession.
Data and sources: The literature was searched for review and original research papers relating prevalence, mechanisms, aetiology, assessment, and treatment of gingival recession using Medline and manual tracing of references cited in key papers otherwise not elicited.
Study selection: Studies with gingival recession as focus and pertinent to key aspects of review.
Results: Gingival recession is a common condition and its extent and prevalence increase with age. Many factors including trauma and periodontal disease have a role in its aetiology. The patient may develop signs and symptoms including pain from exposed dentine, root caries and aesthetic concerns. Management of gingival recession requires thorough patient assessment, identification of aetiological factors, and recording and monitoring of the extent and severity of the condition. Treatment should be directed at prevention of further progression and the control of symptoms and disease. The patient's aesthetic concerns should be appreciated. Surgical treatment of recession may be indicated to cover exposed root surfaces. Many surgical techniques have been described with varied reported clinical effectiveness.
Conclusions: Gingival recession should be thoroughly assessed and evaluated in order to offer the most suitable management.