Self-correction of pathologic tooth migration after nonsurgical periodontal treatment in a metabolic syndrome patient with severe periodontitis and drug-influenced gingival enlargement

Abstract

Drug-influenced gingival enlargement (DIGE) and reduced bone support caused by periodontitis are two of the etiologic factors for pathologic tooth migration (PTM). Comprehensive management, including surgical, orthodontic, and prosthodontic treatment, is usually required for recovery from severe DIGE and PTM. An 85-year-old Taiwanese male with a history of hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) visited our dental department for severe gingival enlargement and spontaneous bleeding. He was diagnosed as having advanced periodontitis and DIGE. Remarkable PTM occurred on the front sextants of his dentition. The patient's DM was gradually controlled, and his calcium channel blocker treatment was substituted with a new regimen for 7 months. One year after nonsurgical periodontal treatment and reinforcing the patient's oral care, both DIGE and PTM were spontaneously resolved without any surgical or orthodontic intervention. We advocate the value of early diagnosis, improving patient's oral hygiene, and meticulous nonsurgical treatment for both DIGE and PTM.