idiopathic gingival enlargement - a case report

Background: Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis is a rare hereditary condition that has no definite cause. The pathogenesis of gingival fibromatosis is still unknown but an increase in proliferation of the gingival fibroblasts as well as increased collagen synthesis may be involved. In modern times, a mutation in the son of sevenless -1 (SOS-1) gene has been suggested as a possible cause of isolated (non-syndromic) gingival fibromatosis, but no definite linkage has been established. A twenty four year old patient presented with gingival enlargement since one year. Based on clinical and radiographic examination, laboratory tests, and thorough oral hygiene instructions, an external bevel gingivectomy was performed to remove excess gingival tissue. There was recurrence within two months following the surgery. The exact cause of the gingival enlargement was not identified, although amelioration of the fibrotic, enlarged gingiva was observed which recurred within two month after performing conventional gingivectomy. Recurrence of gingival fibromatosis in such patients can also be attributed to genetic predisposition.