Co2 laser treatment of drug-induced gingival overgrowth - case report -

Calcium Channel Blockers Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Comprehensive Review from a Dental Perspective

BACKGROUND

Gingival overgrowth (GO) as a manifestation of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was first introduced in the literature by Ramon et al. in 1984. Since then, the use of CCBs as a treatment modality for hypertension has been recorded extensively in the literature for its association with GO.

AIM

The aim of our study is to evaluate histopathology, treatment, and follow-up for the cases detailed in various studies and also to highlight the protocol mentioned to identify these presentations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A broad search was conducted from the period 1980 to 2021 using electronic databases PubMed Central, Scopus, Cochrane, and SciELO databases. About 293 articles were initially chosen. The articles further excluded did not fit the criteria for the study and eventually 50 articles which met the inclusion criteria were chosen as part of this literature review.

RESULTS

A comparative analysis was carried out regarding histopathology, treatment modalities, drug dosage, and duration to evaluate the differences in cases between 1980 and 2021. From the available studies, it was found that the histopathological and clinical findings were varied. Treatment strategies employed were different, though follow-ups in most cases were uniform.

CONCLUSION

CCBs and their relationship with GO have been widely reported in the literature. Dentists should approach this condition by taking appropriate medical and dental history and follow evidence-based treatment guidelines to provide more relevant and judicious management of this condition. Inter-disciplinary treatment approaches would provide better outcomes.

Therapeutic effects of diode laser on vascular epulis in esthetic area

Vascular epulis is a rare clinical disease. In our study, a case of vascular epulis in the cosmetic area was treated by diode laser, without recurrence and obvious inflammation in the surgical site 5 years after surgery. This case report indicates that the excision of vascular epulis in the cosmetic area of the anterior teeth by diode laser could be an alternatively safe and complementary approach in lieu of conventional surgery.

Applications of Laser Welding in Dentistry: A State-of-the-Art Review

The dental industry without lasers is inconceivable right now. This captivating technology has outlasted other possible alternative technologies applied in dentistry in the past due to its precision, accuracy, minimal invasive effect as well as faster operating time. Other alternatives such as soldering, resistance (spot) welding, plasma (torch) welding, and single pulse tungsten inert gas welding have their pros and cons; nevertheless, laser welding remains the most suitable option so far for dental application. This paper attempts to give an insight into the laser principle and types of lasers used for dental purposes, types of dental alloys used by the dentist, and effect of laser parameters on prosthesis/implants. It is apparent from the literature review that laser assisted dental welding will continue to grow and will become an unparalleled technology for dental arena.

High-power diode laser on management of drug-induced gingival overgrowth: Report of two cases and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is attributed mainly to the prolonged use of calcium channel blocking agents, anticonvulsants, and anti-calcineurin inhibitors . The management of DIGO depends on the severity of the disease and includes surgical intervention and plaque control. Compared to conventional surgical treatment, the recent literature data have shown that gingivectomy using a high-power laser (HPL) is a short and easy procedure, which results in minimal postoperative discomfort and greater patient accep- tance.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

The purpose of this study was to report two cases of recurrent DIGO treated surgically using HPL (λ 808nm, 1.5W).

RESULTS

Minimal bleeding and discomfort were observed during surgery, and patients reported no pain or bleeding after the procedure. After 1 year of follow-up, patients presented a minimal increase of gingival volume, indicating that laser technology can improve the efficiency and prognosis of DIGO.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPL was able to preventing hemorrhage and improving the patient's collaboration with the treatment and quality of life.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth: A critical insight into case reports from over two decades

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a well-recognized adverse effect of certain systemic medications. Calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants are frequently implicated drugs in the etiology of DIGO. Drug variables, plaque-induced inflammation, and genetic factors are the three important factors in the expression of gingival changes after systemic medication use. Careful clinical examination and thorough history taking form the basis for diagnosis of DIGO. Histopathological examination is often neglected; however, it is an important aid that helps in differential diagnosis. Cessation or change of drug and meticulous plaque control often leads to regression of the lesion, which however might need surgical correction for optimal maintenance of gingival health. The purpose of the present article is to review case reports and case series published in the last two decades and to assimilate and compile the information for clinical applications such as diagnosis and therapeutic management of DIGO.