ORIGINAL ARTICLE Plastic reduction for anatomical gingival fibromatosis O. Ribeiro-Júnior 1 , A.M. Borba 1 , C.A. Lemos-Júnior 1 , M.G. Naclério-Homem 1 & A. Kolokythas 2 1 Faculty of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo, USP, Brazil 2 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Chicago, IL, USA Abstract Aim: Anatomical gingival fibromatosis is an uncommon process involving the palatal gingival and maxillary tuberosity generally in a bilateral and symmetrical manner. Treatment varies from basic periodontal care to sur- gical removal when the condition causes difficulties with oral hygiene, is associated with secondary periodontal diseases or interferes with prosthesis stability. The authors present a plastic reduction technique modified for tooth-bearing areas and discuss its application. Material and methods: The proposed technique was accomplished in three patients presenting with anatomical gingival fibromatosis. Surgery con- sisted of a three-step technique that aimed at the reduction of the fibroma- tosis and the reconstruction of the palatal gingiva. Results: None of the patients present post-operative complications during a follow-up period that varied from 6 to 12 months. After surgery all patients improved their ability to provide proper hygiene for the affected area as well as their periodontal condition. Conclusions: The present surgical technique is a treatment option with a good result while maintaining periodontal health. Key words: gingival fibromatosis, oral surgery, periodontal tissue Correspondence to: Mr AM Borba Rua Los Angeles, 431, Jardim Califórnia Cuiabá 78070-400, MT Brazil Tel.: +55 065 9289 5924 Fax: +55 065 3363 7150 email: alex80@terra.com.br Accepted: 27 February 2012 doi:10.1111/j.1752-248X.2012.01164.x Clinical relevance Scientific rationale for study The need to improve surgical techniques to assure periodontal health and a viable prosthetic region is of utmost importance when dealing with anatomical gingival fibromatosis. Principal findings A detailed surgical technique illustrated an impor- tant approach that was able to provide functional results to three different cases of anatomical gingival fibromatosis. Practical implications Management of dentate patients with anatomical gingival fibromatosis can be provided with satisfactory results when the proper technique is applied. Introduction Gingival fibromatosis is a clinical term used to describe the fibroblastic gingival overgrowth and deposition of collagen fibres due to local conditions, systemic medi- cation intake or hereditary inherence while biofilm accumulation seems to be a consequence of the over- growth rather than an aetiological factor 1–4 . Anatomical gingival fibromatosis is an uncommon process involv- ing the palatal gingival and maxillary tuberosity in a bilateral and symmetrical manner. Treatment varies from basic periodontal care to surgical removal when the condition causes difficulties with oral hygiene, is associated with secondary periodontal diseases or interferes with prosthesis stability 3,4 . Neglecting the interference of this anatomical disturbance might lead to the compromising of teeth and/or periodontal tissues 4 . Total removal of the anatomical gingival fibromatosis generally leaves an exposed wound that requires dressing as healing occurs by secondary intention and is Oral Surgery ISSN 1752-2471 114 Oral Surgery 5 (2012) 114–117. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S