DEFINITION/OVERVIEW
- Enlargement of gingival tissue due to proliferation of its elements (abnormal multiplication or increase in the number of cells in normal arrangement)
ETIOLOGY/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
- Dogs/cats
- Genetics: probable familial tendency—boxers
- Hyperplastic response of gingival epithelial cells to likely due to chronic antigenic stimulation of periodontal components
- Sometimes seen as a sequela to certain medications: diphenylhydantoin, cyclosporine, nitrendipine, nifedipine
- Genetics: probable familial tendency—boxers
SIGNALMENT/HISTORY
- Certain breeds: boxers, Great Danes, collies, Doberman pinschers, Dalmatians
- Gradual thickening and elongation of gingival margins
- May have oral odor (see Chapter 24)
CLINICAL FEATURES
- Thickening and increase in height of attached gingiva and gingival margin, sometimes completely covering tooth surface
- Resultant formation of “pseudopockets”: increase in pocket depth due to increased gingival height, not due to loss of attachment, unless untreated and progresses to concurrent periodontal disease (Fig. 27-1)
- Gingival margin may be symmetrically enlarged, especially at incisors
- Locally affected areas possible (shelties), but typically more generalized pattern found
- Locally affected areas other than the marginal gingiva may develop hyperplastic areas due to chronic irritation, such as the “gum chewers” lesion in this patient’s mucosa (Fig. 27-2); these areas should be evaluated for therapeutic need
- May form as protruberant masses (grape cluster) at gingival margins; biopsy necessary to rule out neoplasia
Figure 27-1 Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the gingival margin that causes a deeper pocket, not due to attachment loss (pseudopocket).
Figure 27-2 While not a true gingival hyperplasia, local irritations of the buccal or lingual mucosa, such as with “gum chewers” syndrome, can present with similar signs and need for evaluation for therapy and/or biopsy. The additional hyperplastic tissue adjacent to the first and second molars should also be evaluated.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
