Successful Regenerative Therapy of Periodontal Defects Associated With Tongue Piercing: A Clinical Report

Journal Article

2024

Tongue Piercing Complication

Oral piercing habits are associated with various degrees of complications. Tongue piercing

increases the risk of gingival recession and infrabony defects, subsequently leading to localized peri

odontitis. In the case presented, the patient had persistent swelling and suppuration around her man-

dibular anterior teeth attributed to tongue piercing jewelry that was placed approximately 12 years prior.

Intraoral examinations revealed a localized deep pocket, purulent discharge, swelling, plaque accu-

mulation, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and teeth mobility. The patient was diagnosed with

localized stage III, grade C periodontitis. Following full-mouth debridement and the placement of an

extracoronal lingual splint, minimallv invasive, papillae-&bark incisions were made, and regenerative

therapy with bone allograft and collagen membrane was used to manage the infrabony defects. During

the 18-month postoperative follow-up, complete soft-tissue healing was observed along with a significant

reduction in pocket depth and the absence of bleeding on probing or suppuration. Radiographic evalua-

tion showed evidence of bone fill. The reported case demonstrates how careful diagnosis and treatment

planning are crucial for managing different periodontal defects and emphasizes the importance of pro-

ficient periodontal management, which can save teeth that would otherwise be extracted and replaced

with implant therapy or fixed bridgework.

• Volume Number: 45
• Issue Number: 4