What does “Attached gingiva” mean?
Attached gingiva is the part of the gum around a tooth that is firmly bound to underlying tissues and has little mobility. It helps describe the gum between the free gingiva at the tooth margin and the movable alveolar mucosa toward the lip or cheek.
The entire visible band of gum is not attached gingiva
The free portion at the gingival margin differs from the firmly attached portion. Measuring only the visible band can include the portion corresponding to a sulcus or pocket, so probing is also used. Gingival thickness and attached gingival width are separate measurements.
A narrow band alone does not determine the need for surgery
Around natural teeth, narrow tissue can sometimes be monitored and maintained when hygiene is effective and there is no disease. If recession progresses or cleaning is difficult or painful, or inflammation is present, the causes and options for improvement are assessed. A single width should not serve as a surgical threshold for everyone.
Consider tooth position and planned treatment
Tissue thickness, tooth position, the condition of exposed roots and planned orthodontic or restorative treatment can influence care. If tissue augmentation is considered, ask which problem it aims to reduce. Current discomfort, changes and the ability to maintain the area should be evaluated before deciding on grafting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does narrow attached gingiva always require a gum graft?
Not necessarily. Around natural teeth, cleaning ability, inflammation, progression of recession and symptoms are considered together when choosing monitoring, care or surgery.
Is attached gingival width the same as gum thickness?
No. Width describes the extent of the tissue band; thickness describes how thick the tissue is. The widths of keratinized tissue and attached gingiva also differ.
Questions during assessment of attached gingiva
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Did you measure the total gum band or attached gingival width?
Explanation and evidenceCheck the measurement method, including probing depth and the mucogingival junction.
European Workshop on Periodontology · Gingival terminology and measurement - A choice suited to your condition
What actual problem needs care or tissue augmentation now?
Explanation and evidenceConsider recession, inflammation, cleaning discomfort and planned treatment together.
2017 World Workshop · Consensus on mucogingival conditions
