Management of Gingival Overgrowth in a Cardiac Transplant Patient Using Laser-Assisted Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty

J Int Acad Periodontol. 2015 Jul;17(3):77-81.

Abstract

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is an oral clinical manifestation associated with certain medications such as immunosuppressants that are administered to organ transplant patients to prevent graft rejection. In patients with cardiac transplants, management of DIGO is critical. In such patients, plaque biofilm accumulation at the gingival interface might be detrimental as it may lead to transient bacteremia as well as systemic inflammation resulting in thromboembolic events. This case report describes the management of DIGO in a cardiac transplant recipient by change of immunosuppressant medication, non-surgical periodontal therapy and laser-assisted gingivectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects
  • Dental Scaling / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gingival Overgrowth / chemically induced
  • Gingival Overgrowth / surgery*
  • Gingivectomy / methods*
  • Gingivoplasty / methods*
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Oral Hygiene / education
  • Root Planing / methods
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Sirolimus