Gingival margin

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Gingival margin
Periodontium.svg
The gingival margin(F) is the most coronal point of the gingiva, depicted as the zenith of the pink hill in this diagram. To the left lies the sulcular epithelium within the gingival sulcus (G), and to the right lies the oral epithelium (E).
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Identifiers
Latin margo gingivalis
TA98 A05.1.01.109
TA2 2791
FMA 75112
Anatomical terminology

The free gingival margin is the interface between the sulcular epithelium and the epithelium of the oral cavity. This interface exists at the most coronal point of the gingiva, otherwise known as the crest of the marginal gingiva.

Contents

Because the short part of gingiva existing above the height of the underlying alveolar process of maxilla, known as the free gingiva, is not bound down to the periosteum that envelops the bone, it is moveable. However, due to the presence of gingival fibers such as the dentogingival and circular fibers, the free gingiva remains pulled up against the surface of the tooth unless being pushed away by, for example, a periodontal probe or the bristles of a toothbrush.

Gingival retraction or recession

Gingival retraction or gingival recession is when there is lateral movement of the gingival margin away from the tooth surface. [1] [2] It is usually termed gingival retraction as an intentional procedure, and in such cases it is performed by mechanical, chemical, or electrical means in order to perform certain dental surgery procedures. It is usually referred to as gingival recession as a spontaneous or non-intentional presentation, and in such cases it may indicate an underlying inflammation, a pocket formation or displacement of the marginal gingivae away from the tooth by mechanical, chemical, or surgical means. [1] It may expose the roots of the teeth, similarly to gingival recession.

Gingival retraction

Gingival retraction paste

Use of gingival retraction paste has been demonstrated to be most successful in providing a dry field and imposing minimal injury on the surrounding periodontium. It has a decreased ability to retract gingival tissues however, in comparison to a retraction cord.

Gingival retraction cord

A retraction cord, although more damaging to the gingival tissues, has proven to displace gingival tissues more effectively and is therefore recommended in instances where thick periodontium is present. Without any chemical additions, such as epinephrine or sulphate compounds, the cord on its own does not produce haemostasis at the sulcus. [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cementum</span> Specialized calcified substance covering the root of a tooth

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingival recession</span> Exposure in the roots of the teeth

Gingival recession, also known as gum recession and receding gums, is the exposure in the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue and/or retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth. Gum recession is a common problem in adults over the age of 40, but it may also occur starting in adolescence, or around the age of 10. It may exist with or without concomitant decrease in crown-to-root ratio. 85% of the world population has gingival recession on at least one tooth with denuded root surface ≥1.0 mm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingival sulcus</span> Space between tooth and gums

The gingival sulcus is an area of potential space between a tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue and is lined by sulcular epithelium. The depth of the sulcus is bounded by two entities: apically by the gingival fibers of the connective tissue attachment and coronally by the free gingival margin. A healthy sulcular depth is three millimeters or less, which is readily self-cleansable with a properly used toothbrush or the supplemental use of other oral hygiene aids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown lengthening</span> Dental procedure

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist, or more frequently a periodontist, where more tooth is exposed by removing some of the gingival margin (gum) and supporting bone. Crown lengthening can also be achieved orthodontically by extruding the tooth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingival and periodontal pocket</span>

Gingival and periodontal pockets are dental terms indicating the presence of an abnormal depth of the gingival sulcus near the point at which the gingival tissue contacts the tooth.

The junctional epithelium (JE) is that epithelium which lies at, and in health also defines, the base of the gingival sulcus. The probing depth of the gingival sulcus is measured by a calibrated periodontal probe. In a healthy-case scenario, the probe is gently inserted, slides by the sulcular epithelium (SE), and is stopped by the epithelial attachment (EA). However, the probing depth of the gingival sulcus may be considerably different from the true histological gingival sulcus depth.

Gingivectomy is a dental procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon cuts away part of the gums in the mouth.

A gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum line. This procedure involves reshaping the tissue and/or underlying bones to create the appearance of longer or symmetrical teeth, thereby making the smile more aesthetically pleasing. This procedure is typically done to reduce excessively gummy smiles or to balance out an asymmetrical gum line. The procedure, also known as crown-lengthening, has historically been used to treat gum disease. It is only within the past three to five years that dentists have commonly used this procedure for aesthetic purposes. The practice of cosmetic gum lifts was first developed in the late 1980s, but there were few oral surgeons and dental practitioners available to perform the procedures. Gum lifts can also include bone shaping to reduce the prominence of the upper jaw and even out the tooth and gum ratio. This method provides permanent results, while simple gum contouring may result in relapse or regrowth of the gingiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingivitis</span> Inflammation of the gums

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums; ulitis is an alternative term. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms that are attached to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Periodontal abscess</span> Medical condition

A periodontal abscess, is a localized collection of pus within the tissues of the periodontium. It is a type of dental abscess. A periodontal abscess occurs alongside a tooth, and is different from the more common periapical abscess, which represents the spread of infection from a dead tooth. To reflect this, sometimes the term "lateral (periodontal) abscess" is used. In contrast to a periapical abscess, periodontal abscesses are usually associated with a vital (living) tooth. Abscesses of the periodontium are acute bacterial infections classified primarily by location.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingival grafting</span>

Gingival grafting, also called gum grafting or periodontal plastic surgery, is a generic term for the performance of any of a number of periodontal surgical procedures in which the gum tissue is grafted. The aim may be to cover exposed root surfaces or merely to augment the band of keratinized tissue.

References

  1. 1 2 "Gingival retraction". Mondofacto medical dictionary. 5 March 2000. Archived from the original on 9 December 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  2. American Dental Association. (2007). "Gingival Recession: Causes and Treatment" (PDF). Journal of the American Dental Association. 138 (10): 1404. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0058. PMID   17908856. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-17.
  3. Huang C, Somar M, Li K, Mohadeb JV (April 2017). "Efficiency of Cordless Versus Cord Techniques of Gingival Retraction: A Systematic Review". Journal of Prosthodontics. 26 (3): 177–185. doi:10.1111/jopr.12352. PMID   26378615. S2CID   4303860.