Orofacial granulomatosis with gingival onset.

BACKGROUND, AIMS:Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a descriptive term used for granulomatous disorders of the face and oral cavity that may occur for a variety of reasons, some of which result in significant morbidity and mortality. Although rarely, a granular enlargements of the gingiva may be the first clinical manifestation of OFG, preceding other local or systemic manifestations. METHOD:We will report a case of OFG that showed an atypical and monosymptomatic onset with a generalized hyperplastic gingivitis that preceded other facial and mucosal features by several weeks. RESULT:Considering the variable clinical onset of OFG and its apparent increase in incidence, we emphasize that in some cases, the periodontologist, as first consulted health care professional, plays an important role to detect this disorder. Early diagnosis of OFG is a crucial step to prevent and cure its unsightly sequelae and sometimes avoid progression of systemic potentially life-threatening OFG-related diseases. CONCLUSION:Thus, when none of the common causes of gingival enlargement can be detected, OFG diagnosis should be suspected.