A case report of Choronic Periodontitis with Gingival Overgrowth Induced by Nifedipine

Abstract

This paper reports a case of nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth that was successfully treated by initial preparation without surgical therapy. A 54-year-old man visited our clinic with the chief complaint of gingival bleeding. He had been taking a calcium-channel blocker (nifedipine) for 4 years and had recently observed gingival overgrowth. This patient also had chronic periodontitis, with periodontal pockets as deep as with a total PD of 1,482 mm. In addition,progressive resorption of the alveolar bone was observed. Nevertheless, initial preparation was performed, in response to which, the gingival overgrowth improved significantly, and the total PD of the periodontal packets reduced to 39 %. During the maintenance period, the patient continued to take the calcium-channel blocker (amlodipine besylate), however, no recurrence was observed. By 5 years later , the total PD of the periodontal pockets had reduced to 27%. Gingival overgrowth associated with drug intake maybe caused not only as a side effect of the drugs, but also by poor oral hygiene and gingivitis. Furthermore, it is suggested that drug-induced gingival overgrowth could be prevented by proper initial preparation and maintenance therapy. Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Soc Periodontol) 49 : 55-60,2007.