The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a relatively uncommon, reactive gingival overgrowth usually composed of cellular fibroblastic tissue containing one or more mineralized tissues, namely bone, cementum-like material, or dystrophic calcification. The aetiology and pathogenesis of POF are yet not clear, but some authors have hypothesized a reaction originating from the periodontal ligament, as a result of irritating agents such as dental calculus, plaque, orthodontic appliances, and ill-fitting restorations. The aim of our study was to report the clinicopathologic features of a case series of POF from a single Italian institution. A total of 27 cases were collected over an 18-year period. Detailed relevant medical history, clinical and histological information were recorded for each patient. The age range of patients (m = 6; f = 21) was 17.2-80.1 years with a mean of 42.9 ± 18.1 years. Occurrence of the lesion in the mandibular and maxillary arches was similar, and 67.0% occurred in the incisor-cuspid region. The lesions ranged in size from 0.3 to 5.0 cm (mean, 1.3 cm ± 1.1 cm). All the different types of mineralization were present, with higher prevalence of lamellar bone. The lesions were treated by surgical excision and four lesions in three patients recurred after surgery. Surgeons should consider the high recurrence rate of POF and remove the lesion down to the bone involving also the adjacent periosteum and the periodontal ligament. Professional prophylaxis should precede any surgical procedure, and periodical dental hygiene recalls are important in order to remove any possible irritating factor.

Objective. This case report describes soft-tissue management after a failed GBR procedure to enhance the soft-tissue quality, quantity, and aesthetic outcomes. Case Presentation. A 38-year-old patient visited the Dental Clinic of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, for a chief complaint of unsatisfactory aesthetics of the anterior maxillary area. Dental history disclosed failed preimplant vertical bone augmentation with GBR procedure in the area of the left maxillary central incisor resulting in a severe gingival recession of adjacent teeth and compromised soft-tissue quantity and quality and severe ridge atrophy (class III). Multilayered connective tissue grafting technique, in a two-step mucogingival surgery, was used to cover the gingival recessions, reach even gingival margin, and reconstruct the defect. Frenectomy was done after the second mucogingival surgery to relieve the muscle attachment. A definitive cantilever bridge was placed to restore the left and right maxillary central incisors, and a satisfactory aesthetic outcome was reached. Conclusions. Multilayered connective tissue grafting technique might be successful in correcting soft-tissue quantity and quality in class III ridge defects.