Self-Limiting Defect Technique For Periodontal Regeneration In Epulis

Epulis is a common oral lesion, but cases with alveolar bone expansion are rare. This report introduces a novel self-limiting defect technique for managing epulis with bone expansion A 30-year-old female presented with a painless gingival mass at tooth #13, enlarging over two years. Clinical exam showed poor oral hygiene and a firm gingival nodule (14 × 11 × 9 mm) with a 10 mm probing depth and 6 mm attachment loss. CBCT revealed a well-defined corticated radiolucency from CEJ to the apical third region on the buccal aspect of the cuspid, which shown a three-wall intrabony defect (7 mm deep, 3 mm wide). After periodontal initial therapy, the lesion regressed obviously. Excision was planned under local anesthesia and the buccal bone plate was fractured and repositioned to create a self-limiting defect with horizontal dimension less than 1.25 mm. Histopathology confirmed fibrous epulis. At three months, gingival contour normalized, PD improved (1–3 mm), and CBCT showed bone regeneration. Comprehensive evaluation using imaging and histopathology is critical. The self-limiting defect technique uniquely utilizes an intentionally created small defect with repositioned intact bone plate serving as a natural barrier, effectively facilitating spontaneous periodontal regeneration without additional graft materials. CBCT and histopathological evaluation are vital for diagnosing epulis with alveolar bone changes. The self-limiting defect technique is an innovative approach that may broaden therapeutic options for wide and deep intrabony defects in future practice.