SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF GENERALIZED GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT – A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Introduction:  Generalized gingival enlargement is characterized by massive and exuberant gingival over-growth that poses social, aesthetic, phonetic and functional problems for the patient. Therefore, it requires meticulous management.

Objective:  To describe the surgical management of generalized gingival enlargement by electrosurgical excision of patients presenting to a tertiary care centre.

Study Design:  Case series.

Materials and Methods:  The study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, de’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, from January 2010 to December 2012. A total of sixteen patients were operated by using electrosurgical approach under general anaesthesia for surgical excision of generalized gingival enlargement.

Results:  All of the sixteen patients, 11 males and 5 females, showed excellent healing postoperatively

without any recurrent gingival overgrowth.

Discussion:  To the best of our knowledge, the current study presents the largest case series of generalized gingival enlargement. Most of these cases were with massive disease due to lack of information of the study population about their disease, delay in referral by the general dental practitioners, painless and innocent nature of the problem. Early referral of such patients to tertiary care centers can prevent the patients from social and psychological embarrassment.

Conclusion:  Electrosurgical excision is an excellent surgical technique for management of generalized gingival enlargement. Moreover, cross comparative studies are required to establish some diagnostic and therapeutic standards for such patients.