Prognosis
Prognosis
Plaque-induced gingivitis has an excellent prognosis with treatment — complete resolution of gingival inflammation within 2–4 weeks of effective oral hygiene combined with professional debridement. This resolution is one of the most predictable treatment outcomes in dentistry.
Long-term maintenance is essential. Without sustained oral hygiene, gingivitis recurs within 3 weeks as plaque re-accumulates. Patients require a supportive periodontal therapy program (SPT) with professional cleaning every 3–6 months depending on individual susceptibility.
Drug-induced overgrowth has a variable prognosis. When the causative drug cannot be changed, surgical reduction provides temporary improvement but recurrence is common. Meticulous plaque control reduces (but rarely eliminates) the overgrowth.
NUG has good prognosis with appropriate treatment. However, necrotizing periodontitis (involvement of bone) and necrotizing stomatitis (extending beyond gingiva) in immunocompromised patients are more serious with permanent attachment and bone loss.