Comparison between Laser, Electrocautery and Scalpel in the Treatment of Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a well-recognized, unwanted side-effect associated with three major drug groups - anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants and the calcium channel blockers. The prevalence of this unwanted side effect is 25-80% and is also dependent on other factors such as type of drug, dosage, duration of treatment, genetic predisposition, and patient’s oral hygiene maintenance. Three different treatment modalities viz., scalpel, laser, and electrocautery can be used for treating DIGO. Each method carries its own merits and demerits. In the present case report, these three different treatment modalities are used in the same patient in order to compare their handling properties and effect on initial wound healing. Though scalpel remains to be gold standard treatment, use of laser finds some more advantages over the electrocautery for treatment of DIGO.