The efficacy of three different surgical techniques in the management of drug-induced gingival overgrowth

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different surgical techniques in both the management and effect upon rate of overgrowth recurrence of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO). Materials and methods: Two cohorts of patients who required surgical correction of their DIGO participated in the study. After baseline periodontal measures (plaque index, gingival inflammation and probing pocket depths), the patients underwent surgery. A split-mouth, crossover design was used to compare conventional gingivectomy with flap surgery (n=27), and conventional gingivectomy with laser excision (n=23). The main outcome variable was the rate of recurrence of DIGO following surgery. Results: At 6 months, there was significantly less recurrence (p=0.05) in patients treated with laser excision, compared with those treated by conventional gingivectomy. The differences in rate of recurrence of DIGO were also reflected in changes in several periodontal parameters. Flap surgery offered no advantage over conventional gingivectomy with respect to the rate of recurrence. Conclusions: DIGO can be managed by a variety of techniques. Laser excision results in a reduced rate of recurrence.