Introduction
Gingival overgrowth is an apparent clinical manifestation in the oral cavity. 1-3 The present terminology for this disease also known as gingival enlargement, which only encompasses the clinical description and lesser on histological depiction. Clinical presenting features include a disfiguring enlargement of interdental papillae leading to gradual increase in pain and tenderness, which may inhibit mastication and speech. 4 Histologically, it can be characterized as hypertrophy, hyperplasia, edema, hyperemia, constitutes inflammatory cells or dense fibrous connective tissue. 3 Based on the location and extent, gingival overgrowth can be localized, generalised, marginal, papillary, diffuse or discrete. The degree of gingival enlargement can be scored from Grade 0 to III with increasing severity. This essay aims to outline the causes of generalized gingival overgrowth and subsequently considering the management.
Gingival overgrowth is well documented for its unwanted effects; this discussion examines the causes of generalized gingival overgrowth and subsequently evaluating on the methods of management for this problem. Gingival overgrowth can be due to drug-induced 5-10, systemic disease 11, 12 or conditions 2, 13, genetic 14-18, idiopathic origin18 and neoplastic enlargement. 19-21
Drug Induced
Literature has established that drug-induced gingival overgrowth is a major etiology.10 Many patients are under medications that have adverse effects on the oral cavity. Gingival overgrowth can be linked to three major classes of drugs based on their therapeutic activity namely, Anticonvulsants (primarily Phenytion), Immunosuppressant (mostly Cyclosporine) and calcium channel blockers such as Nifidipine. 7, 10
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... (gas, liquid, solid or semiconductor diode) and the medium type(example Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG )).28
Walsh acknowledge two significant features of lasers of which reduced hemorrhage intra-operatively and decrease pain post-operatively is more advantageous over conventional methods.28 Usage of ND:YAG lasers without the anaesthetic is possible. 23 Although expensive, lasers yield great results in terms of relatively clean operative field allowing better visual field for incisions and minimal swelling and scarring. 23, 27 In fact, recurrence rate reported in laser therapies are significantly lower.
In reality, recurrence of gingival overgrowth is an inevitable challenge for patients and practitioners. Recurrence might occur as early as 3-6 months2, despite having surgery. Hence, maintenance and recall is crucial in gingival overgrowth management.
My college plans include attending a two-year college and then pursing a degree in dental hygiene. I believe that I will have a great opportunity to give back to my community with my chosen career. As a dental hygienist, there would be many ways to help young and old alike. The time that I would volunteer would enable me to become more involved in the life of our community.
Dentistry as a profession over the years has evolved rapidly in light of new scientific evidence. Rapidly evolving science and technology have implemented changes within dentistry as evidenced by new standards and guidelines being produced by nationally recognised associations including National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in Scotland, in provision of new scientific evidence. The latest standards and guidelines produced, endorse everyday clinical practice through evidence based dentistry (REF). All dental professionals as part of continued professional development are expected to keep to date on relevant guidelines and knowledge related to their practice (REF). This is supported by the General Dental Council who state all clinicians must maintain their professional knowledge and competence throughout their working career (REF).
Laser therapy has been accepted widely by the general public and the medical professionals for its extensive benefits. This therapy precisely targets the affected area, minimizes the use of general anesthesia, encourages shorter hospital stay and improves the patient outcomes. These benefits have lead to its increased use and importance worldwide.
15-Mutneja. P, Dhawan. P, et al. Menopause and the oral cavity. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2010); 16(4): 548-551.
Over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the US per year. Oral cancer is a cancer that is more common in people over the age of 45, but can occur at any age. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth. “... Oral cancer- it is cancer that occurs in any part of the mouth; on the tongue’s surface, in the lips, inside the cheek, in the gums, in the roof and floor of the mouth, in the tonsils, and also the salivary glands”.(Salomon and Esposito; Dental Partners) Oral cancer, although devastating and destructive can be detected, prevented, treated and cured if it is found early on in its stages. Cancer is detected by dentist because there is a genetic mutation in the cell usually causing tumors within the initial area of effect. Oral cancer can be prevented, diagnosed and treated.
Healthcare is a necessity to sustain society. Dentistry is an area of healthcare that I feel extremely passionate about because access to proper dental care is limited, especially in the underserved communities. As an African American, I want to become a dentist and healthcare provider in the hopes of helping patients and adding to the diversification of the field. With a growing minority population in the United States, it has become apparent that there is a shortage of black dentists. This is problematic because underrepresented minorities are in great need of access to culturally connected dentists who understand their clinical needs as much as their lives and their challenges. I believe that when the profession includes a range of ethnicities
Over time as individuals age and are faced with access to care issues they may begin to neglect their oral health. As time passes between dental hygiene cleanings or dentist visits the presence of oral disease may begin to increase.
The laser procedure is much faster than the surgical operations. Moreover, regular visits are also not required to derive benefit of the treatment.
Erbium or YAG laser which is of precise wave length penetrates into the skin. As the scattering of the YAG lasers are less, the normal skin is left unaffected.
However, on the a recent visit dated 23/12/13 the patient’s gingival condition had deteriorated, presenting with an increased plaque scores of 34% and bleeding scores to 63%. Intra oral examination also showed generalised oedema and erythema throughout in the mouth in response to this increase in plaque bacteria. The presence of supra-gingival calculus on lower anterior teeth and both sites of upper buccal molars and the patients BPE now reads 212 /121, putting the patients caries risk at a ‘High’ status.
Dental plaque is broadly classified as supragingival or subgingival based on its position on the tooth surface toward the gingival margin. Supragingival plaque is found at or above the gingival margin. Therefore, it can be further differentiated into coronal plaque, whi...
Although the majority of people do not realize they have gingivitis, now that the disease has progressed, the symptoms are more evident.
Introduction: In Canada, general dental health is not part Canada’s national system of health insurance (Medicare) (1) except for some dental surgical procedures that are performed at hospitals. Since Oral health does not come under the Health Act about ninety-five percent of the oral health care services are offered on a fee-for-service basis. Oral health care is under provincial or territorial jurisdiction like other health care services and publically financed dental care programs provide the remaining five percent of oral health care services (2). Thus, majority of Canadians receive oral health via privately owned dental clinics. Privately owned dental care gives these services providers control over dental service charges, types of available treatment for the patients and number of follow-up appointment for treatments or routine care. Service users pay for the dental expenses from their own pockets or utilize insurance coverage (1).
Tooth loss, dental caries, periodontitis, dry mouth, and oral cancer are the most common conditions leading to poor oral health in the elderly. According to Ludmila et al.2016) and Dye et al.(2007) 22% of the older population has been diagnosed with dental caries and has remained untreated 4,5. In addition, According to Eke et al.2012) 70.1% of persons age 65 years and over have periodontal disease. If left untreated, both dental caries and periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss 6. Tooth loss considers one of the primary oral health indicator in USA. The total percentage of 65 years and over with complete tooth loss reach 23% in reference to Bruce et al. (2012), which indeed play a major factor in diminish the quality of life among this age
Dental hygiene is a dynamic and challenging career that offers team work, personal growth, and extraordinary benefits, and it is the perfect career for me. As a health care professional, the dental hygienist is an important member of the dental team providing patient care. Good qualities for a dental hygienist are compassion and enjoying talking to people which are two qualities that fit my personality. I love the thought of knowing I made a positive impact in a person's health. Becoming a dental hygienist professionally requires you to obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene. They affect the average American by educating them about dental care. A dentist helps people with their dental health, which can greatly impact a person’s day-to-day life.