If a patient continues to use a prosthesis for years that doesn’t fit properly, has excessively long edges, or constantly moves due to bone loss, the hard plastic edge of the prosthesis will continuously cut and irritate the gingival mucosa with each chew. The body attempts a protective response to this chronic mechanical trauma by excessively multiplying connective tissue in that area; as a result, painful, layered, leaf-like growths form on either side of the prosthesis edge, known as “Epulis Fissuratum.” This is a benign hyperplasia, but it makes wearing the prosthesis impossible. Treatment primarily involves prohibiting the patient from using the old prosthesis and waiting for the tissue edema to subside. If there is no regression, these enlarged tissue masses are completely removed by laser or surgical removal. After wound healing, a new prosthesis with a perfect edge fit is made for the patient.
