The possible pathogenesis of gingival recession. A histological study of induced recession in the rat.

Stages in the pathogenesis of gingival recession were observed in rats in which pocketing had been induced by replacement of natural incisors with dental implants. Suitable conditions were thus created on the palatal aspect of the implant sockets for recession to occur. The recession process was examined at intervals by taking transverse serial sections. In the epithelial and connective tissues deep to the receding margin, morphological changes were seen which apparently lead to cleft formation and recession. These appeared to be associated with mononuclear cell infiltration of the connective tissue. The study suggests that gingival recession involves a localized inflammatory process which causes breakdown of connective tissue and leads to proliferation of the epithelium into the site of connective tissue destruction. Proliferation of the epithelial cells into the connective tissue brings about a subsidence of the epithelial surface, which is manifest clinically as recession.