Scales and Scores to Measure Patient Satisfaction in Gingival Recession Defects – A Scoping Review

Abstract Background: Gingival recession, marked by the exposure of root surfaces due to apical displacement of the gingiva, poses not only clinical challenges but also significant esthetic and psychological concerns for patients. While traditional treatment success has been judged by objective clinical parameters, there is a growing emphasis on how patients perceive outcomes—especially in terms of appearance, comfort, and quality of life. As a result, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become increasingly vital in evaluating periodontal procedures for gingival recession. Materials and Methods: A structured literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL database and the Grey literature. Studies published on management of gingival recession defects which incorporated PROMs were included for this review. In-vitro studies and those lacking PROMs data were excluded. Results: From the 23 studies reviewed, a variety of surgical techniques were evaluated, most commonly coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures with adjunctive materials such as connective tissue grafts (CTG), acellular dermal matrices (ADM), enamel matrix derivatives (EMD), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Patient satisfaction was assessed through visual analog scales (VAS), esthetic rating tools, and structured questionnaires. CAF combined with CTG showed consistently higher satisfaction rates and esthetic outcomes. While clinicians often focused on complete root coverage, patients valued natural color match, minimal discomfort, and overall appearance. Discrepancies between professional assessments and patient perspectives highlighted the subjective nature of esthetic outcomes. Conclusion: Modern periodontal care is shifting toward a patient-centered model where subjective experiences carry significant weight alongside clinical outcomes. Tools like PROMs and esthetic scoring systems are essential for bridging the gap between clinical success and patient satisfaction. Incorporating these measures into routine practice promotes more tailored treatment planning, enhances communication, and ultimately leads to more meaningful and satisfactory results for patients.