Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Case with Auto-Correction of Incisor Drifting

From Volume 28, Issue 8, October 2001 | Pages 411-416

Authors

Chris Butterworth

BDS(Hons), MPhil, FDS(Rest. Dent.) RCS(Eng.)

Specialist Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham Dental Hospital

Articles by Chris Butterworth

Iain Chapple

PhD, BDS, FDS RCPS, FDS RCS, CCST(Rest Dent), PhD, BDS, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS, CCST (Rest Dent)

Professor and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham Dental Hospital and School

Articles by Iain Chapple

Abstract

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is an iatrogenic clinical condition, which affects a proportion of patients medicated for conditions such as hypertension, epilepsy and the prevention of organ transplant rejection. Clinical manifestation can vary in severity from minor problems to complete coverage of the standing teeth. Drifting of teeth can also occur, producing further aesthetic and functional problems for the patient. This report documents a case of a renal transplant patient in whom drifting of the upper incisor teeth spontaneously resolved following surgical reduction of the overgrown gingivae. Clinical issues relating to the management of gingival overgrowth are also discussed.

Article