Gingival overgrowth during orthodontic treatment and its management

Abstract

An increase in plaque retention and ineffective dental hygiene practices lead to gingival enlargement (GE). A 24-year-old female came to the department of periodontics with chief complaint of proclined teeth in the front region of the jaw, and accordingly planned for orthodontic treatment. After 10 months of orthodontic therapy, it was observed that there was GE in the upper anterior region of the teeth. Following comprehensive scaling and dental hygiene instructions, the patient was summoned back three weeks later for another evaluation and a gingivectomy operation was scheduled. The administration of local anaesthetic was carried out under all septic safeguards and circumstances. Pocket markers were used to identify bleeding spots. Then, using a no. 15 BP blade or Kirkland knife, external bevel cuts were made beyond the markings. As the lesion extended interproximally, the Orban knife was then utilized intradentally. Using a curette and scissors, tissue tags were taken off. By applying pressure packs with wet gauze or cotton infused with local anaesthetic, the bleeding was managed. Following the establishment of hemostasis, a scalpel gingivoplasty involving the thinning of the connected gingiva, tapering of the gingival edge, and shaping of the interdental papilla was carried out. Periodontal dressing was applied when the bleeding was stopped. Analgesics and an antiseptic mouthwash were prescribed for the patient as part of the postoperative instructions.