General dentistry
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Increased hormone levels that are present during puberty and pregnancy are associated with localized or generalized gingival enlargement. This article reviews the gingival alterations that can occur during pregnancy and describes a case of generalized severe gingival enlargement associated with pregnancy and its management. A 36-year-old woman had severe bilateral gingival enlargement of short duration. ⋯ Postoperative visits demonstrated uneventful healing, with no recurrence seen at the one-year follow-up appointment. It appears that the English literature includes only one other case report that discusses generalized gingival enlargement during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related gingival enlargement should be included as a differential diagnosis in women who have non-drug-induced generalized gingival enlargement.
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Suture needles can break when they are used to suture the oral mucosa, especially if they have been bent or if excessive force is applied. Several retrieval modalities have been discussed in the literature; these have focused mainly on locating the needle. Although the segment often is found and removed by the surgeon during the procedure, more extensive procedures and paraclinical diagnostics may be necessary. This article presents a case in which a lost suture needle was located using a cone beam computed tomography scan and retrieved via surgery.