Lecture Notes: Understanding Mucogingival Defects

Introduction

• Presenter: Simon
• Topic: Addressing a common dental issue observed in patients—mucogingival defects.
• Context: Often seen in existing patients or referrals from other dentists/specialists.

Understanding Gingival Tissue

• Components:
  • Attached Gingiva:
    • Location: Close to the tooth surface.
    • Characteristics: Keratinized, densely attached to underlying bone.
  • Alveolar Mucosa:
    • Location: Apical to attached gingiva.
    • Characteristics: Non-attached, elastic, contains frenal/mucosal pulls connecting to lips/buccal mucosa.

Mucogingival Defect

• Definition: Insufficient keratinized tissue, predominance of mucosa.
• Common Location: Lower incisor area.
• Issues:
  • Non-aesthetic.
  • Can cause sensitivity and inflammation.

Case Study: Tooth 25

• Symptoms:
  • Slight gingival recession (2-3 mm).
  • Inflammation present.
  • Minimal keratinized tissue; thin and different in color/tissue consistency.
  • No attachment; probing depth of 3-4 mm into alveolar mucosa.
  • Frenum pull contributing to recession.

Diagnosis and Recommendations

• Assessment Tip: Describe what is observed to arrive at a diagnosis.
• Recommended Treatment: Free gingival graft.
  • Goals:
    • Improve tissue quality.
    • Eliminate tissue pull.
    • Gain root coverage.
    • Prevent further recession.

Patient's Concerns and Timing

• Patient Query: Timeframe for treatment due to personal schedule.
• Advice: Not urgent, but should be done in 2-4 months.

Upcoming Content

• Next Video: Addressing the consequence of no treatment.

Conclusion

• Action: Schedule treatment in a timely manner considering personal schedules.
• Note: The next part will showcase the consequences of delayed treatment.
• Engagement: Share the video with colleagues and stay tuned for further insights.