A longitudinal study of untreated mucogingival defects.

A study was conducted to observe the changes in areas with untreated mucogingival defects over a 4-year period. Upon entering dental school, a group of freshman students were assessed for Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing depth, and width of keratinized gingiva. These same students were reassessed for the same parameters at the end of their senior year. Of the 112 sites in 39 individuals, 33 sites revealed a slight increase in keratinized gingiva, 69 sites were unchanged, and 10 sites showed a slight decrease. These changes were minimal and not statistically significant. The Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and probing depth mean values showed a small but statistically significant improvement. In this group of students with a high degree of oral hygiene, areas with inadequate zones of attached gingiva were able to be maintained without further recession and without surgery.