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What Is Epulis Fissuratum?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Epulis fissuratum is an overgrowth of tissue around the flange of a denture that does not fit correctly. The tissue is usually firm with a pinkish appearance, and it has a distinctive fissure where the edge of the flange sits. Denture-wearers can develop this condition if they don’t attend regular appointments to check the fit of their dentures and receive periodic adjustments to make sure their oral health is maintained. Women appear more likely to experience epulis fissuratum than men, although the reasons behind this are not clear.

When dentures don’t fit properly, they can rub against the cheek and gums, causing irritation over time. Patients may notice problems like pain and soreness, trouble eating, and a feeling of general 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. The epulis fissuratum may be identified on a routine dental examination or when a patient goes to the dentist to complain of oral pain.

A dental examination may help diagnose epulis fissuratum.
A dental examination may help diagnose epulis fissuratum.

People using dentures may not be aware that the shape of the mouth can change over time, and the material in the dentures can also compress. They need periodic checkups to confirm that the dentures fit right and are safe to use. It may be necessary to reline dentures with new material, remodel them, or replace them with an entirely new model. When patients receive dentures for the first time, they should ask for information about maintaining them, including recommendations on the timing of checkups for fit and comfort.

Epulis fissuratum is possible when dentures don't fit appropriately.
Epulis fissuratum is possible when dentures don't fit appropriately.

The immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum is oral surgery to remove the excessive tissue. It is advisable to send a sample to a pathologist for evaluation, because while epulis fissuratum is benign, overgrowth can also be a sign of malignancy. A dentist may want to be safe rather than sorry with a check for oral cancer, especially if a patient has a history of risk factors like smoking. Once the patient’s mouth has had a chance to heal, a specialist can refit dentures to the mouth and make recommendations for a maintenance schedule to prevent the recurrence of epulis fissuratum and keep the patient comfortable.

Oral surgery to remove excessive tissue is the immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum.
Oral surgery to remove excessive tissue is the immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum.

In cases where epulis fissuratum is actually a malignant condition masquerading as denture-induced irritation, the patient may need additional surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This can prevent recurrence of the unwanted growth and 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’s return are caught early so the patient can be treated rapidly.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A dental examination may help diagnose epulis fissuratum.
      By: corepics
      A dental examination may help diagnose epulis fissuratum.
    • Epulis fissuratum is possible when dentures don't fit appropriately.
      By: Bartkowski
      Epulis fissuratum is possible when dentures don't fit appropriately.
    • Oral surgery to remove excessive tissue is the immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum.
      By: Valeriy Velikov
      Oral surgery to remove excessive tissue is the immediate treatment for epulis fissuratum.
    • An ill-fitting removable bridge can lead to irritation and other issues.
      By: milosljubicic
      An ill-fitting removable bridge can lead to irritation and other issues.
    • Improperly fitting dental appliances may cause pain and soreness, as well as trouble eating and general discomfort.
      By: luanateutzi
      Improperly fitting dental appliances may cause pain and soreness, as well as trouble eating and general discomfort.
    • Smoking increases a person's risk for developing oral cancer.
      By: igor
      Smoking increases a person's risk for developing oral cancer.
    • Use of dentures may change the shape of a person's mouth over time.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Use of dentures may change the shape of a person's mouth over time.
    • Wearing ill-fitting dentures can increase air intake and cause flatulence.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Wearing ill-fitting dentures can increase air intake and cause flatulence.