Gingival necrosis in relation to palatal expansion appliance: an unwanted sequelae.

A palatal expansion appliance is frequently used for the expansion of the palatal arch. The expansion can be rapid or slow. The degree of turn given to the screw of the appliance determines the rapidity and amount of expansion achieved. This report describes a case of necrosis of the palatal gingiva as a result of an attempt to expand the palatal arch rapidly and is of great importance to the pediatric dentist as palatal expansion is done more often in pediatric patients.