Epulis fissuratum is an overgrowth of tissue around ill-fitting dentures, causing pain, soreness, and discomfort. Women are more prone to it, and regular checkups are necessary to prevent it. Treatment involves oral surgery and a maintenance schedule to prevent recurrence. It can also be a sign of malignancy, requiring additional treatment.
Epulis fissuratum is an overgrowth of tissue around the flange of a prosthesis that does not fit properly. The fabric is usually solid with a pinkish appearance and has a distinctive slit where the edge of the flange is. Denture wearers can develop this condition if they do not attend regular appointments to check the fit of their dentures and receive periodic adjustments to ensure their oral health is maintained. Women appear to be more likely to experience epulis fissuratum than men, although the reasons behind this are unclear.
When dentures don’t fit properly, they can rub against the cheek and gums, causing irritation over time. Patients may notice problems such as pain and soreness, difficulty eating, and a general feeling of discomfort. This inflammation can eventually trigger excessive cell growth, and in some cases the new tissue also ulcerates, becoming red, raw, and tender to the touch. Epulis fissuratum can be identified during a routine dental visit or when a patient visits the dentist with complaints of oral pain.
People who use dentures may not be aware that the shape of the mouth can change over time and that the denture material can also compress. They need regular checkups to confirm that the prosthesis fits properly and is safe to use. It may be necessary to reline the denture with new material, reshape it or replace it with a completely new model. When patients first receive dentures, they should ask about their maintenance, including recommendations on the timing of checkups for fit and comfort.
Immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum is oral surgery to remove excess tissue. Sending a sample to a pathologist for evaluation is recommended, because while epulis fissuratum is benign, the overgrowth can also be a sign of malignancy. A dentist may want to be safe rather than sorry with an oral cancer checkup, especially if a patient has a history of risk factors such as smoking. Once the patient’s mouth has had a chance to heal, a specialist can refit the denture in the mouth and make recommendations for a maintenance schedule to prevent recurrence of epulis fissuratum and keep the patient comfortable.
In cases where epulis fissuratum is actually a malignant condition masquerading as prosthesis-induced irritation, the patient may need additional surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This can prevent the unwanted growth from recurring, and it also protects the surrounding teeth and jaw from any remaining cancer cells. Regular checkups are typically recommended to make sure any signs of the cancer returning are caught early so the patient can be treated quickly.
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