GINGIVAL RECESSIONS BETWEEN CLASSIFICATION, DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS. A REVIEW

There are numerous types of gingival recessions with different clinical manifestations and, hence there are several classification systems for those lesions. An ideal system should take into account the clinical and paraclinical information of the recession from both the literature and the practice, in order to facilitate the prognosis and the establishment of a correct treatment plan. Although such an ideal system has not yet been found, there are various appropriate classifications that contribute, as well, in the assessment of root coverage surgical techniques [1]. Early diagnosis saves time and simplifies the treatment [4]. It is a process that permits differential diagnosis making and managing of future treatment choices. Diagnosis of gingival recession is an organized procedure of data collection, based on anamnesis, clinical symptoms and signs, radiologic and laboratory findings. [8] In fact, prognosis of recession is the likelihood of attaining coverage of the root that has been exposed. Undoubtedly, the height of the interdental periodontal tissue, namely the attachment of connective tissue and the height of alveolar bone, is the most important factor of prognosis and is established by papillary probing, along with periapical radiography. A fair assessment of each individual case and choosing an appropriate intedisciplinary treatment method are significant aspects in maintaining tissue stability over time and in establishing a better prognosis for gingival recessions. [12]