In terms of gingival recession, what characteristic does a thick biotype exhibit?

• A. More susceptibility to recession
• B. Less resistance to recession
• C. More resistant to recession
• D. No effect on recession

Answer: (C)

A thick biotype of gingiva is characterized by a greater amount of keratinized tissue and a thicker collagen layer in the connective tissue, which provides additional support and stability to the gingival margin. This structural advantage generally makes thick biotypes more resistant to recession compared to thin biotypes.

Thick biotypes can better withstand mechanical forces and trauma, which is particularly relevant in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or those with high levels of dental plaque. The robust architecture of thick gingiva also helps to insulate the underlying bone and periodontal structures from inflammatory processes that can lead to recession. Therefore, individuals with a thick biotype tend to experience less gingival recession over time.

In contrast, thinner biotypes are often more fragile and can be more susceptible to recession due to their lack of supportive tissue. This is why recognizing the gingival biotype is crucial for treatment planning and for anticipating the likelihood of recession in patients.