Gingival Enlargement
Gingival enlargement, also known as gingival hyperplasia, can be the result of genetic predisposition, trauma to the gum tissue, or from the use of certain drugs. This gingival enlargement leads to pseudo-pockets between the gingiva and the teeth allowing plaque, calculus, and debris to accumulate and leads to periodontal disease. Treatment requires cutting the enlarged gum tissue back to near normal, a procedure called gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. Typically samples of the removed tissue are sent to a lab for evaluation. This condition often recurs, but meticulous home care combined with regular professional cleanings to control plaque can delay this recurrence.