Gingival Fibromatosis: A Rare Yet Remarkable Overgrowth of the Gums

Gingival Fibromatosis: A Rare Yet Remarkable Overgrowth of the Gums

Question. Write a short note on gingival hyperplasia.

Answer.

“Common challenges in diagnosing gingival fibromatosis effectively: FAQs provided”

It is also known as hereditary gingival hyperplasia or elephantiasis gingivae.

Gingival fibromatosis is a condition characterized by diffuse gingival enlargement, and it also covers major parts of the total tooth surface.

It is a slowly progressive gingival enlargement caused by collagenous overgrowth of the gingival fibrous connective tissue.

It may be familial or idiopathic.

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Clinical Features

• Gingival enlargement starts before the age of 20 years, and it is correlated with the eruption of deciduous and permanent teeth.
• It occurs as a diffuse or nodular growth of the gingiva over the maxillary or mandibular arch.
• The maxilla is affected more frequently.
• The surface of the gingiva is pebbled.
• Gingiva is pink or pale in color.
• Consistency of the gingiva is firm and leathery.
• Gingiva is non­tender and does not bleed.
• Gingival swelling leads to spacing between the teeth.
• Extension of the gingiva is so severe that it can cover the crown of the erupted tooth.

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Histology

• Surface epithelium exhibits long, thin rete ridges that extend deep into underlying fibrous connective tissue.
• Connective tissue is dense, hypocellular, and hypovascular.
• Collagen fibers are present in the form of bundles, which are interspersed with fibroblasts.
• Inflammation is mild to absent.
• At times, scattered islands of odontogenic epithelium, foci of dystrophic calcification, or areas of osseous metaplasia may be seen.

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Treatment

Gingivectomy should be done.