In healthy gingiva, where is the gingival margin located relative to the CEJ?

• A. 1-2 mm coronal to CEJ
• B. 1-2 mm apical to CEJ
• C. At the CEJ
• D. 3-4 mm coronal to CEJ

Answer: (C)

Think of the CEJ as a fixed reference point on the tooth. In a healthy mouth, the free gingival margin sits just above that landmark, typically about 1–2 mm toward the crown. This small coronal offset helps maintain a normal sulcus depth (about 1–3 mm) and proper gingival attachment. If the margin moved toward the root (apical to the CEJ), recession would be indicated; if the margin were much more coronal or exactly at the CEJ, it would stray from normal anatomy. So, the standard healthy relationship is a gingival margin located 1–2 mm coronal to the CEJ.