title: Surgical treatment of gingival overgrowth with 10 years of follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In some pathological conditions, gingivitis caused by plaque accumulation can be more severe, with the result of an overgrowth. Nevertheless, the overgrowth involves the gingival margin with extension to the inter-dental papilla. The lesion may involve the inter-proximal spaces, and become so extensive that the teeth are displaced and their crowns covered. Severe overgrowth may lead to impairment in aesthetic and masticatory functions, requiring surgical excision of the excessive tissue. Aim of this study is to describe an operative protocol for the surgical treatment of localized gingival overgrowth analyzing the surgical technique, times and follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 20 patients were enrolled and underwent initial, non surgical, periodontal treatment and training sessions on home oral hygiene training. The treatment plan involved radical exeresis of the mass followed by positioning of an autograft of connective tissue and keratinized gingiva.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During 10 years of follow-up, all the grafts appeared well vascularized, aesthetically satisfactory, and without relapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periodontal examinations, surgical procedures, and dental hygiene with follow-up are an essential part of the treatment protocol. However, additional effort is needed from the patient. Hopefully, the final treatment result makes it all worthwhile.
authors: Department of Dental Sciences and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Ballini
authors: Adele
authors: A
authors: Scattarella
authors: Vito
authors: V
authors: Crincoli
authors: Roberto Gianfranco
authors: RG
authors: Carlaio
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Papa
authors: Letizia
authors: L
authors: Perillo
authors: Teodoro
authors: T
authors: Romanazzo
authors: Maria Virginia
authors: MV
authors: Bux
authors: Gianna Maria
authors: GM
authors: Nardi
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Dituri
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Cantore
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Pettini
authors: Felice Roberto
authors: FR
authors: Grassi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome