Active clinical trials for "Gingival Overgrowth"

Gingival enlargement is one of the most common soft tissue problems associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. The presence of orthodontic appliances impedes oral hygiene measures and alters the oral microbial ecosystem to a more pathogenic oral biofilm. Subsequent accumulation of plaque can contribute to development of chronic periodontal inflammation and can progress to gingival enlargement. Gingival enlargement inhibits hygiene measures, slows down orthodontic tooth movement and cause aesthetic and functional problems. Management of gingival enlargement by non-surgical periodontal treatment is considered to be most important and effective. Optimal plaque control can be maintained by meticulous brushing, flossing and professional scaling. However, motivation of maintaining oral hygiene can be disappointing in some patients. In cases that the enlarged gingivae became fibrous, surgical treatment can be considered. Traditionally, gingivectomy was performed using scalpel under local infiltration. Since the first laser designed for dental use was introduced in 1989. Laser technology has continuously developed over the years and there are now many different types of dental lasers using a variety of wavelengths, e.g. Diode, Er:YAG, CO2 and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. In orthodontics, various intraoral soft tissues surgical procedures may be required frequently, e.g. gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, fraenectomy, exposure of unerupted/ impacted/ partially erupted teeth. The use of laser has becoming more popular because the advantages of laser therapy are good haemostasis, excellent visualization of the operating field, fewer intra- and post-operative complications, bactericidal effect, no suture required, less scars, and better pain control with effects of reduced use of local anaesthesia and analgesic. Diode laser unit has the merits of compact size and relatively low price. Gingivectomy by diode laser may become an effective adjunctive treatment in orthodontic practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of diode laser in the management of gingival enlargement related to orthodontic treatment.

Aesthetics for individuals become increasingly important, while the aesthetic effects of periodontal disease is an important issue that should be assessed by the patient's perception. The results demonstrate that the periodontal aesthetic perception scale showed reliable and valid scores in healthy controls and periodontal patients. The periodontal aesthetic perception scale may be an appropriate tool to assess periodontal esthetic in clinical and research settings.

This study will examine common features of gingival overgrowth (excessive growth of the gums around the teeth) that develops in patients with the hereditary form of the condition and in those who develop the condition as a side effect of medications. A better understanding of gingival overgrowth may help scientists develop medications with fewer oral side effects. Patients of any age with hereditary gingival fibromatosis and their blood relatives, and patients of any age with gingival overgrowth who are taking medications associated with development of the disorder, including phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin or Dilantin), cyclosporine, and calcium-channel blockers, may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo a medical and dental history, including a history of medication use; detailed examination of the teeth, periodontium, head, and neck; photographs of teeth with gingival overgrowth; dental x-rays; and blood tests. DNA is extracted from a blood sample to look for genes related to gingival overgrowth. Patients with gingival overgrowth are offered two options, as follows: Tissue biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from each affected site, with a maximum of three biopsies. For the procedure, lidocaine is first injected into the gum to numb the tissue. Then, a cookie-cutter instrument is pushed into the numbed skin, and a small piece of tissue is removed. Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of the overgrown gingival.