COMMENTARY

Conservative Management of Gingival Recession:The Gingival Veneer1jerd_514 394

Ranjitha Krishna, BDS, MSD, MPH*

In the earlier manuscript, the authors1 describe the fabrication of gingival veneers to mask the black triangles caused bygingival recession in the maxillary anterior region and present case reports demonstrating the use of these gingivalveneers.

Periodontal disease progression, as well as resective surgical procedures that treat periodontal diseases often leads tounesthetic outcomes. Currently, there are no predictable options to recreate interproximal gingival tissues in such areas,especially when the amount of attachment and tissue lost around the teeth are severe. In such situations, gingivalprosthesis can be used to mask the recession defects.

However, it is important to understand that the gingival veneers are a cosmetic replacement for missing gingival tissue.They do not replace any kind of periodontal therapy that may be indicated in these patients. It is very important thatpatients who receive such veneers be on very close recalls to ensure that the patients are able to maintain good oralhygiene around these veneers as well as to ensure that their periodontal disease is under control.The prosthesis needsto be created by an experienced clinician to ensure that it does not further harm the other dentogingival units.

Removable gingival prosthesis is a good treatment option in advanced tissue loss, achieving esthetic results, and patientsatisfaction. Although such prosthesis in the hands of a trained and experienced clinician can offer predictable andsatisfactory results, it is extremely important that both the patient and the clinician understand that such prosthesisrequires long-term maintenance and if not properly done can further harm the teeth and the surrounding structures.

REFERENCE

1. Gopakumar A, Sood B. Conservative management of gingival recession: the gingival veneer. J Esthet Restor Dent DOI 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2012.00513.x.

*Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics, Clinical Scientist, Laboratory for Applied Periodontal and Craniofacial Regeneration, Georgia Health Sciences University,

College of Dental Medicine, Augusta, GA, USA

This commentary is accompanied by article, “Conservative Management of Gingival Recession:The Gingival Veneer” Ashish Gopakumar, BDS, MFDS (Eng),

Banoo Sood, BDS, MSc, FDSRCS (Edin), FDS (Rest Dent) RCS (Edin), DOI 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2012.00513.x.

CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF GINGIVAL RECESSION Gopakumar and Sood

Vol 24 • No 6 • 394 • 2012 Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry DOI 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2012.00514.x © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.394