Firm Gingival Enlargement of the Anterior Maxilla
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION

Although the gingival enlargement had been present for about 10 years, recently, it had increased in size. The gingival protuberance was only slightly tender when she occluded on the soft tissue. She was unaware of bleeding, purulence, or surface changes at this site, but the adjacent teeth were slightly mobile and sensitive during mastication. The patient wore an interim, maxillary partial prosthesis that was ill fitting. The clasp adjacent to the gingival mass had been removed several years ago, so that she could increase the longevity of the temporary appliance. Previously, she had sought treatment for the lesion, but she was informed that it represented excessive bone growth and did not require removal.

Medical History

Review of the patient’s medical history revealed that she was healthy, except for occasional episodes of chronic sinusitis. She had no known allergies to foods or medications, although she suspected that she had some environmental allergies to molds and pollen. Infrequently, she took ibuprofen when she had sinus or stress-induced headaches.

Clinical Examination Findings

On inspection, a 2.0 x 3.0 cm exophytic lesion was identified on the right facial gingiva and alveolar mucosa, adjacent to the lateral incisor and canine. (Figure 2) This sessile, nontender nodule was firm and rubbery to palpation. The surface mucosa was smooth and intact with a patchy light brown pigmentation. Both the lateral incisor and canine exhibited Class I mobility. In addition to a large diastema between these anterior teeth, the canine was displaced slightly toward the palate. (Figure 3) Periodontal examination of the involved teeth revealed probing depths that were 3mm and attachment levels were affected minimally. Comprehensive intraoral examination revealed multiple missing teeth, numerous carious lesions, and mild chronic periodontitis. No other soft tissue lesions were identified in the head and neck region, although several keloids were documented on the skin of the extremities.

3mm and attachment levels were affected minimally. comprehensive intraoral examination revealed multiple missing teeth, numerous carious lesions, and mild chronic periodontitis. no other soft tissue lesions were identified in the head and neck region, although several keloids were documented on the skin of the extremities.

Radiographic Findings

A periapical radiograph demonstrated an irregular, radiopaque focus within the soft tissue mass between the lateral incisor and canine. (Figure 4) The periodontal ligament space was widened slightly on the mesial aspect of the canine, while dentinal caries was detected on the distal surface of this tooth. A modified periapical view showed a crescent shaped opacity that was mesial and distal to the canine. (Figure 5) Except for mild loss of alveolar crestal bone height, no other bony findings were identified.

Incisional Biopsy and Photomicrographs

Due to the significant size of the lesion, an incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia for a definitive diagnosis. A crescent-shaped tissue sample was obtained adjacent to the canine with extension to the alveolar crestal bone. (Figure 6) The surgical incision was not obvious clinically with normal lip movements and only direct pressure to the site was needed for hemostasis.

Microscopic examination revealed a wedge of gingiva, consisting of cellular fibrous connective tissue that contained foci of mineralized product. (Figure 7) Both trabeculae of bone (Figure 8) and globules of cementum-like material (Figure 9) were interspersed within the stroma. Occasionally, multinucleated giant cells were seen in close proximity to the mineralized tissue.

One Month Follow-up

The patient delayed treatment because she was anxious about the surgical procedure and was concerned the she would prematurely lose additional anterior teeth. She returned in one month because the lesion was increasing in size (Figure 10) with increased erythema and bleeding at the biopsy site. (Figure 11)