A Stillman's cleft is a V-shaped, triangular-shaped recession of the gum tissue, most commonly found on the cheek side (buccal surface) of a tooth's root.
Understanding Stillman's Cleft
Stillman's cleft is a specific type of gingival recession. It's characterized by its distinctive triangular shape and location. This mucogingival defect, as described by Stillman, often appears in areas experiencing occlusal trauma (damage from chewing forces). It's frequently associated with mild gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontitis (gum disease). The cleft itself extends from the gingival margin (gum line) apically (towards the root of the tooth) along the tooth's root surface.
Key Features:
- Triangular Shape: The defining characteristic is its V-shaped appearance.
- Location: Primarily found on the buccal (cheek) surface of the tooth.
- Association: Often linked to occlusal trauma, gingivitis, or mild periodontitis.
- Mucogingival Defect: Involves both the gum tissue (gingiva) and the mucous membrane.
Causes and Contributing Factors:
While occlusal trauma is often cited as a contributing factor, other factors may play a role in the development of Stillman's cleft. These could include improper brushing technique (scrubbing instead of gentle sweeping motions), inadequate oral hygiene, and underlying periodontal disease.
The information provided states that Stillman's cleft is a mucogingival triangular-shaped defect predominantly seen on the buccal surface of a root, first described by Stillman as a recession related to occlusal trauma, either associated with marginal gingivitis or with mild periodontitis (1).
