Management of Massive Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma in the Right Lingual Vestibule of Mandible

Brief Background: Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a common solitary gingival overgrowth thought to arise from the gingival corium, periosteum or periodontal ligament. POF is an occasional growth of the anterior region of mandible and accounts for 3.1% of all oral tumors and 9.6% of the gingival lesions. About 60% of these tumors occur in maxilla and more than 50% of all cases of maxillary POFs are found in the incisors and canine areas. Material and Method: A 25 year-old female patient reported with complaint of non-tender growth over right lingual vestibule of lower jaw and was diagnosed histopathologically as a case of peripheral ossifying fibroma. The case was managed with surgical resection. Discussion: Dental calculus, plaque, microorganisms, dental appliances, and restorations are considered to be the irritants triggering the lesion. The lesion though usually smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter can reach a much larger size and can cause separation of the adjacent teeth, resorption of the alveolar crest, destruction of the bony structure and cosmetic deformity. The treatment of choice for this lesion is complete surgical excision with the removal of the irritating factors. Conclusion: Due to higher recurrence rate of the lesion, early detection and complete surgical resection of these lesions followed by long term follow-up bear importance in clinical management.