Gingival recession is quantified by measuring the distance from which landmark to the gingival margin?

• A. From crown to root apex
• B. From tooth enamel to gingival margin
• C. Cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to gingival margin.
• D. Probing depth

Answer: (C)

Gingival recession is quantified by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the gingival margin. The CEJ is a stable reference point on a tooth, so the gap between it and where the gum ends reflects how far the gingiva has receded apically. If recession occurs, the gingival margin moves away from the CEJ, increasing that distance. Measuring from crown to root apex would assess overall tooth length, not gingival position, and measuring from enamel to gingival margin isn’t reliable because enamel ends at the CEJ and can vary with wear. Probing depth assesses sulcus or pocket depth, not recession.