Gingival enlargements and localized gingival overgrowths.
Gingival enlargements are a common clinical finding and most represent a reactive hyperplasia as a direct result of plaque related inflammatory gingival disease. These generally respond to conservative tissue management and attention to plaque control. However, a small group are distinct from these and whilst they also represent a reactive tissue response, this occurs at the level of the superficial fibres of the periodontal ligament. These epulides grow from under the free gingival margin and not as a result of a primary inflammatory gingival enlargement. This distinct aetiopathogenesis separates this group of lesions both in terms of their specific clinical presentation and behaviour and their propensity for recurrence if managed inadequately.
Savage
N W
NW
School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane. n.savage@uq.edu.au
Daly
C G
CG
D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005350:Fibroma / Q000175:diagnosis; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis; D005886:Gingival Hypertrophy / Q000175:diagnosis; D005887:Gingival Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D017789:Granuloma, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans