Changes

==Description==  

==Description==  

Gingival hyperplasia often appears as pink, hyperaemic and ulcerated lesions that can be either firm or soft. There can be varying amounts of pigmentation reflecting the normal pigmentation of the oral mucosa. [[Crown|Crowns]] of teeth are often partially or completely covered by the hyperplastic [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] forming a potential space or pocket between the [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] and the [[Crown|crown]] where plaque is able to accumulate.

Gingival hyperplasia often appears as pink, hyperaemic and ulcerated lesions that can be either firm or soft. There can be varying amounts of pigmentation reflecting the normal pigmentation of the oral mucosa. [[Crown|Crowns]] of teeth are often partially or completely covered by the hyperplastic gingiva forming a potential space or pocket between the gingiva and the [[Crown|crown]] where plaque is able to accumulate.

Gingival hyperplasia can be described as:

Gingival hyperplasia can be described as:

===Biopsy===

===Biopsy===

Biopsy samples should include those areas of [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] that show signs of inflammation with a softer than normal texture. Any [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] with radiographic signs of bone involvement should also be sampled.

Biopsy samples should include those areas of [[Gingiva Introduction|gingiva]] that show signs of inflammation with a softer than normal texture. Any gingiva with radiographic signs of bone involvement should also be sampled.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

The suspected cause of the condition should be corrected first. This may include a multimodal treatment plan aimed at controlling plaque formation including teeth brushing and providing the animal with sticks/toys that clean the teeth crowns.

The suspected cause of the condition should be corrected first. This may include a multimodal treatment plan aimed at controlling plaque formation including teeth brushing and providing the animal with sticks/toys that clean the teeth crowns.

*'''Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty''' - should be carried out under general anaesthetic if significant pseudo-pockets are present between the [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] and teeth crowns. The aim should be to eliminate the pseudopockets and re-establish the normal anatomy of the gingival margin.

*'''Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty''' - should be carried out under general anaesthetic if significant pseudo-pockets are present between the gingiva and teeth crowns. The aim should be to eliminate the pseudopockets and re-establish the normal anatomy of the gingival margin.

**Electrosurgery and Laser surgery - care must be taken with electrosurgery to avoid contact between the teeth crowns and the electrodes to prevent irreversible heat damage to the pulp.

**Electrosurgery and Laser surgery - care must be taken with electrosurgery to avoid contact between the teeth crowns and the electrodes to prevent irreversible heat damage to the pulp.