Localized gingival overgrowths – differential diagnosis for dental practitioners

Localized gingival overgrowths (LGOs) encompass a category of oral lesions that are commonly encountered in dental practice. The authors report three cases of gingival epulides and also review the various conditions (both local and systemic) in which LGOs have been reported to occur. A flowchart is also proposed for a systematic approach to aid diagnosis. Although most epulides are hyperplastic lesions, rare conditions clinically identical to inflammatory or reactive LGOs do occur. Their innocuous appearance may frequently deceive the dental practitioner. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of various lesions that could present as an LGO is necessary and significant, as prompt diagnosis and specialist referral influences the treatment plan.