CLINICAL EVALUATION OF GINGIVAL RECESSIONS AND NON-CARIOUS CERVICAL LESIONS: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

Abstract

Gingival recessions (GR) and non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) are common oral conditions affecting the periodontium and dental structure, respectively, and are often associated. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of gingival recessions and non-carious cervical lesions, along with their common etiological factors, in patients treated at the integrated dental clinics of UFPB during the first semester of 2024, from August to mid-September 2024. The research followed a descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational methodology, using direct observation through clinical examinations and the completion of clinical forms. Among the 70 adult patients evaluated, 42 (60%) presented gingival recession, with 13 (18.57%) of these cases associated with interproximal clinical attachment loss. It was observed that 28 (40%) of the patients were diagnosed with NCCL, among whom 20 (71.43%) also had GR, with abrasion being the most observed lesion type. Among the main relevant etiological factors, a thin periodontal phenotype was the most prevalent, found in 35 (50%) of patients in the maxilla and 39 (55.71%) in the mandible; 29 (41.43%) of the patients showed signs of traumatic brushing, despite inefficient oral hygiene with 56 (80%) of the patients exhibiting visible biofilm and 26 (37.1%) dental calculus; and 66 (94.29%) of the patients experienced tooth loss. Furthermore, 51 (72.89%) did not use dental prostheses, while 10 (14.29%) showed a reduction in vertical occlusal dimension, characterizing occlusal instability. Based on the presented data, it was concluded that gingival recessions and non-carious cervical lesions showed high prevalence among the evaluated patients, often associated with predisposing etiological factors such as thin periodontal phenotype, deficient oral hygiene, traumatic brushing, and occlusal instability. These results emphasize the need for integrated prevention and treatment strategies in dental clinics, aiming for comprehensive management to address these oral conditions and their associated factors.

Keywords: Gingival recession. Non-carious cervical lesion. Integrated dentistry.