Chronic Inflammatory Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-02, Vol.16 (2), p.e54296
• Main Authors: Tiwari, Aakanksha V, Dangore-Khasbage, Suwarna, Mohod, Swapnil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case reports; Disease prevention; Erythema; Etiology; Females; Illnesses; Inflammation; Jaw; Oral hygiene; Periodontics; Teeth
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54296

Gingival enlargement can be referred to as an increased size of the gingival tissues. It might have originated because of inflammation, induced by certain drugs, linked to generalized illness, malignant, or pseudo enlargement, based on its etiology and pathogenesis. Enlargements may be widespread, papillary, or marginal, depending on the location. It affects the patient's masticatory, functional, aesthetic, and psychological health. Diagnosing the condition and its underlying cause through a detailed history is the mainstay for management. Diagnosis is based on a careful clinical examination in relation to the consistency, texture, and color of enlarged gingival tissues. Once diagnosed, the intervention relies on treating the causative factor involved in the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment with the elimination of the etiologic factor along with strict oral hygiene instructions and regular follow-up results in the restoration of aesthetics and function. This article presents a case report of a female patient aged 31 years who presented to the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department with chief complaints of swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing for one month, and pain and loosening of teeth in the upper left back region of the jaw since 15 days. On thorough clinical examination, oral hygiene instructions were given along with antimicrobials and analgesic medications, and extensive scaling and sub-gingival curettage were done. On the follow-up visit after seven days, there was reduced inflammation due to the removal of local irritants like plaque and calculus and reduced gingival enlargement. The takeaway message from this case is that clinicians should be thoroughly acquainted with the normal and pathologic alterations of the gingival tissues and possible etiologic factors for it. Careful examination, prompt diagnosis, and treatment form the mainstay of management.