Clinical management of hereditary gingival fibromatosis: Case report with 13 years follow-up

Background

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is one of the categories of non-plaque-induced gingival diseases of genetic origin. Current studies show high genetic heterogeneity and suggest that not all forms of HGF are the same and that more than one biological mechanism may result in gingival growth. This report presents a case of syndromic HGF with generalized and complex clinical manifestations associated with other conditions such as body hypertrichosis and hearing deficit.

Methods

This is a case report of a male patient with HGF, detailing the orthodontic and periodontal management that began at the age of 8 and was completed by 21.

Results and Conclusions

The results of this case report demonstrated the importance of early diagnosis and the establishment of a correct treatment plan that provided, in the long-term, highly positive effects, minimizing impacts affecting the oral health-related quality of life of individuals with HGF.

Key points

• This is a case report of a male patient with HGF, detailing the orthodontic and periodontal management that began at age 8 and was completed by age 21.
• Clinical, genetic, and histological data are reported over the 13 years of follow-up.
• Due to the numerous complications caused by HGF, early diagnosis and the establishment of an appropriate treatment plan are imperative.

Plain Language Summary

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is one of the categories of non-dental-plaque-induced gingival diseases of genetic origin. This report presents a case of syndromic HGF with generalized and complex clinical manifestations associated with other systemic conditions. The most common effects are prolonged retention of deciduous teeth, dental migration, delayed eruption, crossbites, open bites, prominent lips, open lip posture, and phonetic and aesthetic problems. This condition can have a negative psychological effect and impact the patient's self-esteem significantly affecting quality of life. The therapy for HGF consists of surgical treatment combined with rigorous control of dental biofilm. This is a case report of a male patient with HGF, detailing the orthodontic and periodontal tratment that began at the age of 8 and was completed by 21. Due to the numerous complications caused by HGF, early diagnosis and the establishment of an appropriate treatment plan are imperative, as they can provide highly positive long-term effects and thus minimize the impacts affecting the oral health-related quality of life of these individual.