Novel treatment approach of localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia with use of Nd:YAG laser

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the management of two patients who presented with localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia. This disease entity is poorly understood, and literature regarding successful treatment is scant. However, there are common themes to management including proper diagnosis and treatment via removal of the affected tissue. The biopsy demonstrates intercellular edema and neutrophil infiltrate with epithelial and connective tissue disease components, so surgical deepithelialization may not be adequate to definitively treat the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: This article presents two cases of the disease and suggests the use of the Nd:YAG laser as an alternative management modality. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, we present the first cases of localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia treated with the Nd:YAG laser. KEY POINTS: Why are these cases new information? To our knowledge, this case series illustrates the first use of an Nd:YAG laser to treat the rare pathology localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia. What are the keys to successful management of these cases? To properly manage this rare presentation, proper diagnosis is paramount. Following diagnosis with microscopic evaluation, deepithelialization and treatment of underlying connective tissue infiltrate via the Nd:YAG laser offers an elegant option to treat the pathology and maintain esthetic outcomes. What are the primary limitations to success in these cases? The primary limitations of these cases include the small sample size, which is attributable to the rarity of the disease.