II. Definition
- Gingiva (gums) abuts tooth neck
III. Preparation
- Patient closes teeth
- Retract cheeks and lips
IV. Findings: Normal Gingiva
- Gingiva color is pink/pale red and stippled
- Sharp interdental papilla
- Shallow (1-2mm) crevices between gums and teeth
- Teeth seat firmly in bony sockets
V. Findings: Abnormal Gingiva
- Gingivitis (Plaque, calculus, food accretion)
- Periodontitis (Pyorrhea)
- Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
- Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
- Gingival Hyperplasia or Enlargement
- Epulis (Localized Gingival Enlargement)
- Most often caused by inflammation
- Rule out neoplasia
- Gingival Erosions, bullae, atrophy, erythema
- Causes: autoimmune, mucocutaneous, and benign disease
- Biopsy if etiology not clear
- Lead or Bismuth Line
-
Melanin Pigmentation (over tooth margin)
- Common brownish pigmentation normal in dark skin
- May also be seen in Melanism