Uncommon presentation of inflammatory gingival enlargement: Resolution by means of nonsurgical periodontal therapy only

Abstract

Gingival enlargement is caused by gingival inflammation, fibrous overgrowth, or combination of both, leading to adverse consequences, such as difficulty in plaque control, mastication, altered speech, and esthetic and psychological problems. A 19-year-old male reported with the chief complaint of difficulty in mastication due to swelling of the gingiva for the past 6 months that bled profusely on slight provocation. The lesion gradually increased in size and similar lesions developed in other areas of the jaw, leading to unusual generalized massive gingival enlargement. Within a month of nonsurgical therapy which included supragingival and subgingival scaling, followed by oral hygiene instructions, enlargement reduced significantly. Complete resolution of the inflammatory gingival enlargement was observed after 3 months of nonsurgical therapy without any surgical intervention. Therefore, it will not be an exaggeration to say that scaling is still the gold standard treatment modality in the treatment of plaque-induced gingival enlargement.