Treatment of Deficient Attached Gingiva and Recession: A Primer.

Gingival recession involves apical displacement of the soft-tissue margin and root exposure that can negatively affect smile esthetics, increase susceptibility to root caries, and lead to dentin hypersensitivity. Regardless of the predisposing conditions leading to its inflammatory etiology, gingival recession can be treated with tissue grafting (eg, free gingival grafts or connective tissue grafts) or acellular dermal matrix. Because each therapy is characterized by the type of grafting material used, the manner in which the grafting material is harvested, and the respective technique for placing the grafting material, understanding their differences will benefit dentists when determining the most appropriate treatment for patients who present with gingival recession and areas of deficient attached gingiva.