Calcium channel blocker induced gingival enlargement following implant placement in a fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible: a case report

BACKGROUND: Gingival tissue enlargement is a common side effect of antiepileptic medications (e.g. phenytoin and sodium valproate), immunosuppressing drugs (e.g. cyclosporine) and calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, verapamil, amlodipine) (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17–S27, 2018). The clinical and histological appearances of lesions caused by these drugs are indistinguishable from one another (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17–S27, 2018). Drug-induced gingival enlargement is rarely seen in edentulous patients. CASE PRESENTATION: This case presents a 72-year-old female with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth treated with surgical excision and fibula-free flap reconstruction. Following the uncovering of osseointegrated implants placed in the fibular-free flap, the patient developed gingival enlargement of the floor of the mouth. Cessation of amlodipine and switching to an alternative medication lead to a resolution of the enlarged tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that gingival enlargement can occur around dental implants, most notably in rehabilitation cases in patients who have had head and neck cancer. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients taking calcium channel blockers prior to implant placement.