Conventional Gingivectomy Procedure in the Management of Orthodontic-Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Case Report

Gingival enlargement (GE) can result from gingival inflammation, fibrous overgrowth, or a combination of both factors. Various etiological factors contribute to GE, including low-grade trauma, iatrogenic causes, drug-induced effects, systemic diseases, plaque accumulation, hormonal influences, vitamin deficiencies, genetic predispositions, and idiopathic reasons. Effective treatment in clinical practice hinges on accurately diagnosing the underlying cause. Among these, plaque-induced inflammation is the most common, driven by the accumulation of plaque and calculus. One challenge in maintaining oral hygiene is orthodontic treatment, which can impact speech, chewing, aesthetics, and psychological well-being. In this case report, a 21-year-old female patient developed GE associated with orthodontic appliance use. To address this, excess gingival tissue was surgically removed under local anesthesia using gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedures, and the excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination. Following the surgery, a periodontal dressing (GC Coe Pack™) was applied to protect the tissue and aid in healing. The case underscores that enlarged gingival tissue, covering nearly half of the dental crowns, led to plaque accumulation and aesthetic concerns. Post-procedure, achieving a proper gingival contour eliminated suprabony pockets and enhanced the aesthetic appearance. The patient showed positive outcomes with no remaining suprabony pockets, resulting in a natural gingival contour, improved aesthetics, and reduced plaque retention. Surgical gingivectomy and gingivoplasty proved to be successful interventions in this case.