Gingival Hyperplasia

Introduction

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. 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 where plaque is able to accumulate.

Gingival hyperplasia can be described as focal lesions, multiple focal lesions or generalised lesions; or a combination of all of these.

It is thought to be the result of an imbalance in the plaque/host tissue response. There are many factors that can cause this condition. These include drugs such as ciclosporin, phenytoin and calcium channel blockers. Chronic irritation and dental plaque are also causative. Other causes include odontoplastic resorptive lesions, neoplasia and mechanical irritation.

Signalment

This is a common condition in dogs but less common in cats. The following breeds are predisposed: Border Collie, Boxer, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Retriever (Labrador).

Clinical Signs

Signs depend on the severity of gingival hyperplasia and the degree to which the teeth are covered. They include pain on mastication, drooling +/- blood in saliva, haemorrhage of the gingiva, reluctance to eat and dysphagia. The animal may paw its mouth or rub its mouth along the floor.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs are indicative of the condition. A detailed oral examination under sedation will lead to a presumptive diagnosis.

Diagnostic Imaging

Oral radiographs should be taken to rule out concurrent conditions. One such condition is periodontitis which is demonstrated radiographically by alveolar bone loss associated with pocket formation between the tooth crown and gingiva.

Biopsy

Biopsy samples should include those areas of 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

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 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 can be performed. Care must be taken with electrosurgery to avoid contact between the teeth crowns and the electrodes to prevent irreversible heat damage to the pulp.

Prognosis

The prognosis following surgical excision and histopathology is good. However, local recurrence is possible but less common if a treatment plan aimed at reducing plaque formation is implemented. A re-examination of the patient should be carried out at least every 6 months to assess for signs of recurrence and the sufficiency of plaque control measures.

References

Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition), British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual, Merial.

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