What is one criterion for the success of gingival recession treatment?

One of the primary criteria for the success of gingival recession treatment is the position of the gingival margin in relation to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Successful treatment typically aims to achieve or maintain the margin at or close to the CEJ, reflecting a restoration of periodontal health and adequate coverage of the exposed root surface.

When the gingival margin is at the CEJ, it indicates that the procedure effectively reestablished the gums to a position that protects the tooth structure, reducing the risk of further recession, sensitivity, and root caries. A stable margin at the CEJ suggests good surgical technique and adherence to post-operative care, resulting in favorable long-term outcomes for periodontal health.

In contrast, the other options focus on symptoms or conditions that don't directly measure the success of the treatment. For instance, the presence of bleeding on probing might indicate inflammation but does not provide insight into the positional success of the recession treatment. Increased sensitivity is a subjective symptom and can vary for multiple reasons, making it an unreliable metric for treatment success. Lastly, if gingival recession is greater than 2 mm, it is actually an indication of a problem rather than a criterion for success, as successful treatment should aim to reduce or eliminate significant recession.