INFLAMMATORY GINGIVAL ENLARGMENT DR L.ACHYUTH KUMAR POST GRADUATE
CONTENTS Introduction Terminologies Classification Measuring of gingival overgrowth Chronic inflammatory gingival enlargements Acute inflammatory gingival enlargements Gingival abscess Periodontal abscess Pericoronal abscess Difference between gingival and periodontal abscess Conclusion References
Introduction One of the common and evident features of periodontal pathology is increase in size of gingiva. This is termed as gingival enlargement /gingival overgrowth. Enlargement of the gingiva may occur due to variety of reasons. which may include inflammation, hypertrophy, hyperplasia (or) other causes. Gingival enlargement- ‘increase in size of gingiva’
Gingival enlargements may occur due to local causes (or) may be a local manifestation of a systemic process. Plaque is such case that acts as a- Precipitating (or) Aggravating (or) Causative (or) Coexisting factors .
Terminologies: Gingival Enlargement : An overgrowth or increase in size of the gingiva. Gingival Hyperplasia : An enlargement of the gingiva due to an increase in the number of cells. Gingival Hypertrophy : An enlargement of the gingiva due to an increase in the size of cells. (According to the Glossary of Periodontal Terms, 4th Edition, 2001 )
b) Chronic a) Acute a) Conditioned Gingival Enlargement b) Systemic Diseases Causing GE Pregnancy, puberty, Vit C deficiency Leukemia Non-specific conditioned GE (pyogenic granuloma) Granulomatous diseases (Wegener’s granulomatosis, Sarcoidosis) Plasma cell gingivitis a) Benign tumors b) Malignant tumors
Based on location and distribution a) b) c) d) e) f)
0 = no overgrowth seen INDICES FOR MEASURING GINGIVAL OVERGROWTH Harris & Ewart (1942) 1 = early changes detectable, perhaps a more granular appearance to the papilla tip without encroachment of the tooth. 2 = moderate changes evident, with increased interdental papillae and slight encroachment of the gingival tissues onto the tooth surface. 3 = marked changes with obvious encroachment of the gingival tissues onto the tooth surfaces, possibly interfering with function.
0 = no gingival overgrowth 1 = mild gingival overgrowth (thickening of the marginal gingiva and/or lobular granulation of the gingival pocket with gingival overgrowth covering upto 1/3 of the crown) 2 = moderate gingival overgrowth (overgrowth extending to the middle of the crown) 3 = severe gingival overgrowth (overgrowth covering 2/3 of the crown of affectation of the attached gingiva) GINGIVAL OVERGROWTH INDEX (Angelopoulos and Goaz , 1972) Assesses the vertical dimension and the gingival changes in the development of gingival overgrowth
0 = no gingival overgrowth or enlargement 1 = mild hyperplasia defined as blunting of the papilla 2 = moderate hyperplasia with tissue covering upto ½ of the crown 3 = marked hyperplasia with tissue on more than ½ the crown HYPERPLASTIC INDEX (Conrad et al. 1974) Assesses gingival overgrowth in the horizontal dimension only
GINGIVAL OVERGROWTH INDEX (Seymour et al. 1985) The upper and lower anterior segments are each divided into 5 gingival units both buccally and lingually
The degree of gingival thickening on both labial and lingual aspects is graded as follows: 0 = normal 1 = thickening from the normal up to 2 mm 2 = thickening from the normal greater than 2 mm
The extent of encroachment of the gingival tissues onto the adjacent crowns was also graded 0, 1, 2 and 3 on the labial and lingual surfaces as shown-
Where there was discrepancy between encroachments on 2 adjacent tooth surfaces in the same unit, the higher score is given The 2 scores (thickening and gingival encroachments) are added, thus giving a hyperplasia score for each gingival unit The maximum score obtainable using this method is 5
The Hyperplastic Index of Conrad et al. (1974) was modified by King and Fullinfaw to include an assessment of the vertical component of gingival overgrowth 0 = normal width of free gingival margin 1 = thickening from normal upto 2mm 2 = thickening from the normal greater than 2mm King & Fullinfaw - MODIFICATION OF HYPERPLASTIC INDEX (1993)
Grade 0 No signs of gingival enlargement Grade I Enlargement confined to interdental papilla Grade II Enlargement involves papilla and marginal gingiva Grade III Enlargement covers three quarters or more of the crown The degree of gingival enlargement can be scored as follows- - Bokenkamp A et al. , 1994
ACUTE
1) Chronic plaque induced gingivitis and periodontitis Clinical features- Change in colour of gingiva to bluish red. Bleeding on slight provocation. Slight ballooning of interdental papilla or marginal gingiva and loss of knife edge contour. A) CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT
Consistency - soft and pitting on pressure. Loss of surface stippling is seen. Pocket formation. Base of the pocket is apical to CEJ – true pocket. Loss of attachment is seen. Bone loss is seen. Mobility is seen. Disto – labial migration and extrusion of anterior teeth is common feature of advanced periodontitis.
Food impaction is a common complaint. Usually severe pain results from food impacting deep into a periodontal pocket or from a deep seated periodontal abscess. This causes the urge to dig-out. Foul breath -halitosis Increase in temperature. Increase in GCF production. Hypersensitivity due to recession.
Increase in inflammation infiltrate . Plasma cell are predominant. Junctional epithelium decreases up to 10 times . Bone loss is evident at the crest of alveolar bone , this increase with increase in severity of disease. Degeneration of sulcular epithelium cells results in ulceration of pocket epithelium. Histological features:
Gingivitis and gingival enlargement are often seen in mouth breathers ( Lite et al. 1955 ). The gingiva appears red and edematous with a diffuse surface shininess of the exposed area. The maxillary anterior region is the common site of such involvement. 2) GINGIVAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MOUTH BREATHING
In many cases, the altered gingiva is clearly demarcated from the adjacent unexposed normal gingiva . The exact manner in which mouth breathing affects gingival changes has not been demonstrated. Its harmful effect is generally attributed to irritation from surface dehydration. However, comparable changes could not be produced by air drying the gingiva of experimental animals by Klingberg et al (1961) .
B) ACUTE GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT 1) GINGIVAL ABSCESS Abscess means localized acclamation of pus. Sudden start and a short history. They involvement is localized.
Etiology- Bacterial origin 1. when sizable number of bacteria from the surface of gingiva finds entry into deeper gingival tissues through: ( i ) Mastication (ii) Physical injury by toothpicks and tooth brush. 2. food impaction (popcorn kernel, fish bone, dental floss) 3. after dental treatment.
Gingival abscess starts as a swelling in the marginal /interdental gingiva which is red in colour and has smooth shiny surface . Pain , tenderness and size increases in 2-3 days Abscess may become fluctuant and pointed An orifice eventually develops through which purulent exudate is expelled With express of pus – pain , tenderness and size of abscess reduce After drainage –abscess- heals on their own
No radiographic changes are seen in gingival abscess
More dense infiltrate of PMNs Vessel engorgement Leaking intercellular junctions of blood vessels Emigration of leukocytes Migration of leukocytes Edematous tissue [CT+EPI] Ulceration on the epithelial surface Histopathology
2)PERIODONTAL ABSCESS Other names – Lateral abscess / Parietal abscess . Definition : it is defined as a localised purulent inflammation in the deeper supporting periodontal tissues. It may or may not involve the gingiva, but it invariably causes a GE. 3 rd most prevalent emergency infection (8%), after acute alveolar (14-25%) and periodontitis (10-11%). More likely to occur in a pre existing periodontal pocket & more in molar site (>50%).
Kaldahl et al (1996) in a 7-year prospective longitudinal treatment study for occurrence of periodontal abscess. From the 51 patients included, 27 developed abscesses were detected. 16 out of the 27 abscess sites had an initial probing pocket depth greater than 6 mm, and in about 8 sites the periodontal probing depth was 5-6 mm. Gray et al (1994) monitored periodontal patients in an army clinic and found that periodontal abscess had a prevalence of 27.5%. In this population, 13.5% of patients undergoing active periodontal treatment had abscess formation and while in untreated patients it is 59.7%.
Classification of Periodontal Abscess GINGIVAL ABSCESS Localized purulent infection that involves the marginal gingiva and interdental papilla. PERIODONTAL ABSCESS Localized purulent infection within the tissues adjacent to periodontal pocket that may lead to destruction of PDL and alveolar bone. Location (Gillette & Van House 1980/Meng,1990)
ACUTE short duration, lasts for a few days or weeks, pain on biting, associated lymph node enlargement. Course of lesion ( Pini prato et al 1988) CHRONIC Spontaneous drainage, associated with nasty taste and spontaneous bleeding. Pus may be present Discharge from the gingival crevice or from a sinus in the mucosa overlying the affected root. Pain is usually of low intensity, often associated with regional lymphadenopathy and occasionally slight elevation of body temperature.
Single periodontal abscesses are usually related to local factors which contribute to the closure of the drainage of a periodontal pocket. Multiple periodontal abscesses have been reported in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, medically compromised patients, and in patients with untreated periodontitis after systemic antibiotic therapy for non-oral reasons. ( Helovuo & Paunio 1989, Helovuo et al. 1993, Topoll et al. 1990) Number ( Topoll et al 1990)
1) Gingival abscess : in previously healthy sites and caused by impaction of foreign bodies. 2) Periodontal abscess : either acute or chronic, developing into a periodontal pocket. 3) Peri-coronal abscess : in incompletely erupted teeth . Based on the periodontal tissues involved (Meng et al 1999)
1) Periodontitis related abscess : when the acute infection originates from biofilm present in a deepened periodontal pocket. 2) Non periodontitis related abscess : when the acute infection originates from the other local sources, such as foreign body impaction or alteration in root integrity . Depending on cause of acute infection process ( Lindhe )
Etiology Periodontal abscesses have been either directly associated to periodontitis or to sites without the prior existence of a periodontal pocket. In periodontitis, a periodontal abscess represents a period of active bone destruction (exacerbation), although such events also occur without abscess formation.
Tortuous periodontal pockets specially associated with furcation involvement which eventually become isolated and can favor formation of an abscess. Carranza 1990 Closure of margins of periodontal pockets may lead to extension of the infection into the surrounding tissue. Due to the pressure of the suppuration inside the closed pocket. DeWitt et al 1985 Fibrin secretions, leading to the local accumulation of pus may favor the closure of gingival margin to the tooth surface. Galego Feal et al 1995 Changes in the composition of the microflora, bacterial virulence or in host defenses also make the pocket lumen inefficient to drain the increased suppuration. Kareha et al 1981
After nonsurgical periodontal therapy- After scaling or professional prophylaxis, dislodged calculus fragments can be pushed into the tissues or inadequate scaling may allow calculus to remain in deep pockets, whilst the coronal part will occlude the normal drainage After surgical periodontal therapy- associated with the presence of foreign bodies, such as membranes for regeneration or sutures (106) Different subgroups distinguished:
acute exacerbation of an untreated periodontitis and refractory periodontitis. acute exacerbation in supportive periodontal therapy. systemic antimicrobial intake without subgingival debridement. in patients with severe periodontitis this may also cause abscess formation, probably related to an overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria.
Periodontal abscesses can also occur in previously healthy sites (i.e. non periodontitis periodontal abscesses) owing to impaction of foreign bodies or to alteration of the root surfaces :
Impaction of foreign bodies such as tooth brush bristle ,food (fish bone) into the gingival tissue. Kareha 1981 After procedures like scaling where calculus is dislodged and pushed into the soft tissue. It may also be due to inadequate scaling which will allow calculus to remain in the deepest pocket area, while the resolution of the inflammation at the coronal pocket area will occlude the normal drainage, and entrapment of the subgingival flora in the deepest part of the pocket then cause abscess formation. Dellorusso 1985
Treatment with systemic antibiotics without subgingival debridement in patients with advanced periodontitis leads to a change in the composition of the subgingival microbiota leading to super infection and abscess formation. Helovuo et al 1993 As a consequence of perforation of lateral wall of a tooth by an endodontic instrument during a root canal therapy. Carranza 1990
External root resorption Carranza 1990 Invaginated tooth. DeWitt et al 1985 Cracked tooth Galego Feal et al 1995 Local factors effecting morphology of roots such as cemental tears Kareha et al 1981 Possible local predisposing factors for periodontal abscess formation:
Systemic Antibiotic Therapy Multiple periodontal abscesses cannot be explained by local factors alone, and it has been suggested that systemic administration of antibiotics may trigger their formation. Helovuo H et al 1993 results it appears that the systemic administration of antibiotics in patients with untreated periodontitis may lead to superinfection with opportunistic organisms resulting in development of periodontal abscesses.
Topell et al (1990) reported on the development of multiple abscess (4-10) in 10 untreated periodontal patients who received systemic antibiotic therapy. (Penicillin, tetracycline) for non-oral infections. Koller-Benz et al (1992) showed that after initiation of nifedipine therapy, 8 abscesses appeared in 5 days. O The nifedipine therapy was discontinued, and the abscesses resolved. 3 weeks later the treatment was resumed, and after 2 weeks another abscess was detected.
Helovuo et al. (1993) studied 72 patients with untreated periodontitis, who were followed for 12 weeks, after intake of systemic antibiotics for non-oral reasons. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the antibiotic used, 10 out of 24 patients (42%) in the penicillin group developed abscesses within the next 4 weeks. The number of abscesses ranged between 1-10. No abscesses were detected in the erythromycin or the control groups.
Diabetes Systemic alterations in diabetics that may have a significant influence on the formation of periodontal abscesses include- lowered host resistance such as impaired cellular immunity, decreased leukocyte chemotaxis/phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. Enhanced interaction of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) with their cellular receptor (RAGE) has been suggested as one of the pathogenic mechanisms of accelerated periodontal disease in diabetes.
Etiopathogenesis : Pus formation – inflammation - in pockets. If the drainage is restricted (or) is totally blocked pus collects and an abscess results (blocked by calculus, food debris or other foreign objects) Periodontal abscess have been either directly associated to periodontitis or to sites with out the prior existence of a periodontal pocket.
I) Periodontal abscess in periodontitis patients In periodontitis, a periodontal abscess represents a period of active bone destruction (exacerbation). The existence of pockets with cul-de-sac, which eventually become isolated, may favour the formation of abscess.
The marginal closure of a periodontal pocket, may lead to an extension of the infection into the surrounding periodontal tissues due to the presence of the suppuration inside the closed pocket. The fibrin secretions leading to the local accumulation of pus may favour the closure of the gingival margin to the tooth surface.
Kareha et al (1981): Changes in the composition of the microflora, bacterial virulence (or) in host defence could also make the pocket lumen inefficient to drain the increased suppuration. The development of a periodontal abscess in periodontitis may occur at different stages during the course of the infection.
1) as an acute exacerbation of an untreated periodontitis- Dello Ruso 1985 2) during periodontal therapy- Dello Russo 1985,Carranza 1990 3) in refractory periodontitis- Fine 1994 4) during periodontal maintenance- Chace and Low 1993, Mc Leo 1997
Different mechanisms behind formation are: A) exacerbation of chronic lesions: -it occur without any obvious external influences. B) post therapy periodontal abscess: -it occurs immediately after scaling (or) routine prophylaxis due to in adequate scaling which will allow calculus to remain in the deepest pocket area. -while the resolution of the inflammation at the coronal pocket area will occlude the normal drainage and then cause the abscess formation.
-when the periodontal abscess occurs immediately after scaling or after a routine prophylaxis it has been related to the dislodging of calculus fragments which can be pushed in to the tissue. C) Post – surgery periodontal abscess: -incomplete removal of sub gingival calculus or the presence of foreign substance. - eg. Suture, regenerative device, perio pack.
Garretl et al 1997: Conducted a clinical study on guided tissue regeneration & reported that 10 out of 80 controls (non-resorbable barrier) and 4 out of 80 tests (bio-absorbable barrier) showed abscess formation or suppuration at the treated sites. Post antibiotic periodontal abscess: Treatment with systemic antibiotics without subgingival debridement in patients with advanced periodontitis may also cause abscess formation. It is attributed to a likely change in the composition of subgingival microbiota leading to a super infection and inflammation.
II) Periodontal abscess in the absence of periodontitis: Impaction of foreign bodies. Periodontal abscess caused by foreign bodies related with oral hygiene aids so it has been named as “oral hygiene abscess”. Carranza 1990- perforation of the tooth wall by an endodontic instrumentation. Kareha et al 1981- infection of lateral cyst local factors affecting the morphology of the root may predispose to periodontal abscess formation.
Clinical features Acute form: Overlying and surrounding gingiva-enlarge and edematous Tender and painful Surface is smooth and shiny Adjoining teeth –tender, painful, increase in mobility. Pus may be expressed spontaneously or on applying digital pressure through the abscess sinus or from the underlying periodontal pocket.
Chronic form: The pus formed within the diseased periodontal tissue can easily drain out, i.e., there is no collection of pus within the periodontal pocket. An acute abscess converts to a chronic one, which results in relief from the pain, tenderness and swelling. The other associated clinical features also shows regression and become milder. A chronic periodontal abscess may aggravate to become acute if the channel through which the pus drains gets blocked. In some cases, a periodontal abscess may occur in association with a periapical abscess.
No changes in very recent origin or acute condition. 1. radiolucent area- lateral sides of root 2. size of area increases with time. 3. size of area decreases with treatment. 4. some time may not visible due to: A) located on buccal/lingual gingiva of the teeth (superimposition by roots). B) lingual/buccal cortical plate(superimposition by bony plate). C) concavity of curved root. Radiographic features
5. periodontal abscess occurring along with and communicating with periapical abscess. No clear cut distribution can be made radiographically between the boundaries of the two. The same periodontal abscess may present different radiological images depending on- A) its location. B) stage of development and on going pathological change. C) angle at which the radiograph is taken.
The intact neutrophils are found surrounding a central area of soft tissue debris and destroyed leukocytes. At a later stage, a pyogenic membrane composed of macrophages and neutrophils is organized. The rate of destruction in the abscess will depend on the growth of bacteria and its virulence, as well as the local pH (since an acidic environment will favour the action of lysozymal enzyme). Histopathological features:
De witt et al 1985: Studied biopsy punches taken from 12 abscess. They observe from the outside to the inside. A) a normal oral epithelium and lamina propria. B) an acute inflammatory infiltrate. C) an intense foci of inflammation (neutrophils-lymphocytes with the surrounding connective tissue destroyed and necrotic). D) a destroyed and ulcerated pocket epithelium. E) a central region as a mass of granules acidophilic and amorphs debris.
MICROBIOLOGY The most frequent type of bacteria were gram-negative anaerobic rods and gram-positive facultative cocci. In general, gram-negatives predominated over gram positives and rods over cocci. The periodontal abscess microbiota is usually indistinguishable from the microflora found in the subgingival plaque in adult periodontitis.
The microflora from abscesses and deep pockets was similar and harbored higher proportions of pathogens when compared to the microflora of shallow pockets. Bacterial species with capacity of producing proteinases, such as P. intermedia, are important, since they may increase the availability of nutrients, and thereby, increasing the number of bacteria inside the abscess (Jansen & Van der Hoeven 1997) .
Culture studies of periodontal abscesses have revealed high prevalences of: Porphyromonas gingivalis (55-100%), Prevotella intermedia (25-100%), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (44-65%) Other pathogens which have been reported are- Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (25%) Campylobacter Rectus (80%)
Radiographs Intra oral radiographs , include peri apical and vertical bitewing views, are used to assess marginal bone loss and peri apical condition of the tooth involved. Gutta percha point placed through sinus might locate the source of abscess. Dental radiographs (peri apical, bitewing and OPG) could be used for a general survey for a marginal bone loss of the whole dentition. Pulp vitality test Thermal or electric test could be used to assess the vitality of the tooth. Microbial test Sample of pus from the sinus, abscess or expressed from gingival sulcus could be sent for culture and sensitivity test.
Gingival abscess Confined to marginal and /or interdental gingiva. Occurs in previously disease free areas. Acute inflammatory response of foreign material into the gingiva. No Bone loss. Periodontal abscess Involves supporting periodontal structure. Often occurs in the course of chronic destructive periodontitis. X-ray-bone loss present. Pocket present.
Pain –diffuse Many times affect the entire side of the face Affected by thermal changes Pain –dull Localized Not affected by thermal changes
Periodontal abscess Associated with pre-existing periodontal pockets, caries or both. Pulp test –vital. Swelling generalized and located around the involved tooth and gingival margin seldom with fistulation tract. Pain –dull constant less severe ,localized and patients usually can located the offending tooth. Periapical abscess Associated with deep restoration caries or tooth wear. Non-vital. Swelling localized often with fistulous tract opening in the apical area. Pain –severe ,throbbing last for long deep the offending tooth.
Pain associated with the movement or percussion is not as severe as with a pulpal disease. Angular bone defects , furcation involvement. Responds dramatically well to sub gingival debridement . Severe than periodontal abscess. Apical radiolucency. Endodontically filling or endodontic or post restorations. Responds poorly or not all to periodontal therapeutic intervention.
Radiographic findings Ordinarily a radiolucent area along the lateral surface of the root suggests the presence of periodontal abscess. A radiolucent area at the apex of the root suggests periapical abscess. Clinical findings such as the presence of extensive caries, pocket formation, lack of tooth vitality, and the existence of continuity between gingival margin and the abscess area often prove to be of greater diagnostic value than radiographic appearance.
3) Pericoronal abscess: Pericoronitis –it is a inflammatory condition of the gingiva covering and surrounding the crown of an in completely erupted tooth. When suppuration occurs under the peri-coronal flap and the discharge of the pus is restricted due to any reason causing localization of pus a pericoronal abscess.
It can be either- acute sub - acute or chronic Pain is usually the predominant symptom in acute stages, whereas chronic forms of the disease may display very few symptoms and present exudate. Pericoronitis is common in more than 60% of partially impacted third molars.
Most commonly seen in mandibular third molars. Partially erupted /impacted teeth usually covered by completely/partially loose operculum of gingival tissue. The space between the occlusal surface and the overlying operculum /flap allows accumulation of bacterial plaque and food debris. Etiopathogenesis:
As a result of this inflammation occurs in gingival operculum. Usually –resulting –inflammation is mild does not cause overt clinical features but if it worsens and localized of pus occurs results in abscess formation. May worsen by –mechanical transmission from the opposing tooth.
Clinical features: Tooth is partially erupted and may or may not be impacted. The crown of the tooth is completely or partially covered by a flap gingival tissue [operculum]. The operculum shows varying degree of inflammatory involvement. Inner surface of the operculum is often ulcerated and inflamed even if the top surface appears normal.
Inflammation– increases bulk of the operculum. In future causes interference with jaw closure and also results in traumatized of the operculum by teeth of opposing arch. The area produces odour that may become very bothersome. Muscle trismus of varying degree may set in. Swelling of the face on the same side may be seen. Draining lymph nodes may become palpable.
Conclusion Diagnosis of gingival enlargement is very important for a dentist to treat it. By knowing the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, radiological features and histological features one can easily can distinguish between the type of gingival enlargement and thus can treat it properly .
References Clinical Periodontology : Carranza, Newman 9th Edition O Clinical Periodontology and implant dentistry – Lindhe 4th edition Textbook of Periodontology (A Conceptual Approch ), D.S.KALSI. Periodontal abscess: a review. JCDR-2011 Periodontal Abscess review, JCP-2000, 27:377-386. Perio 2000 volume 34, 2004.