Control of generalized chronic periodontitis combined with calcium antagonist related gingival overgrowth by a complex periodontal-endodontic-prosthodontic therapy

A case report

Abstract

To day a relatively high percentage of elderly population of the industrialized world suffers with different cardiovascular diseases and are on permanent antihypertensive therapy. One of the most frequently used drugs is the calcium channel blockers prescribed against high blood pressure. The most common oral side effect of these drugs is the gingival enlargement that might develop even on otherwise healthy gingiva. The incidence of chronic periodontitis in this age group is also high and the Ca antagonist medication in those individuals might substantially modify the clinical course of periodontal inflammation leading to gingival enlargement and hypertrophic pocket wall. The presented case is a 52 years old hypertonic women with a long history of Ca antagonist therapy and generalized chronic periodontitis combined with gingival hyperplasia. After the change of medication the 1,5 years comprehensive periodontal endodontic and prosthodontic therapy restored patient’s periodontal health and provided complex dental rehabilitation. Nevertheless only the regular periodontal supportive therapy could ensure predictable outcome and guarantee long lasting periodontal health.