Surgical treatment of gingival overgrowth with 10 years of follow-up.
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.
Ballini
Andrea
A
Department of Dental Sciences and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Scattarella
Adele
A
Crincoli
Vito
V
Carlaio
Roberto Gianfranco
RG
Papa
Francesco
F
Perillo
Letizia
L
Romanazzo
Teodoro
T
Bux
Maria Virginia
MV
Nardi
Gianna Maria
GM
Dituri
Angela
A
Cantore
Stefania
S
Pettini
Francesco
F
Grassi
Felice Roberto
FR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome