Modified gingivoplasty for hereditary gingival fibromatosis: two case reports

BACKGROUND: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is characterized by sub-epithelial fibromatosis of keratinized gingiva resulting in a fibrotic enlargement of keratinized gingiva. The treatment choice is gingivectomy, which can be performed with an internal or external bevel incision conventionally. However, both techniques can hardly resume the natural status of gingiva, and have a certain recurrence rate, especially in the cases which have limited width of attached gingiva. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two cases of HGF with the chief complaint of difficulty in mastication, pronunciation, and poor esthetics were presented. After the initial periodontal therapy, a novel gingivoplasty modified with a crevicular incision was applied. A full thickness flap above the mucogingival junction and a split flap below the junction were raised. Then, fibrotic connective tissue was completely eliminated and keratinized gingival epithelium was preserved. The fibrotic alveolar bone was shaped by handpiece and bur. Finally, the flap was apically repositioned and sutured. Twelve months after surgery, the gingiva recovered with normal color, contour and consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to traditional gingivectomy, modified gingivoplasty which focuses on eliminating pathological fibrotic connective tissue can completely resume the natural appearance of gingiva and demonstrate no tendency of recurrence.