An unusual presentation of peripheral ossifying fibroma in an elderly man.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a common solitary gingival overgrowth thought to arise from the gingival corium, periosteum or periodontal ligament. Ossifying fibroma has the propensity to occur in cranial bones, but the peripheral variety shows a close relationship with the periodontal ligament and adjacent alveolar bone. It is more commonly seen in women (predilection of 3:1) and usually at a young age. This report describes an unusual presentation in an elderly man and presents a systematic way of diagnosing and treating peripheral ossifying fibroma.