Prosthetic and surgical management of a sizeable epulis fissuratum: a case report

Abstract

This case report describes the management of a large-sized Epulis fissuratum (EF) in a 70-year-old female patient using an original prosthetic technique. It consists of a combination of a tissue conditioning and a resection surgery. The patient´s main concern was a mucogingival tissue growth located on the left mandibular area. The interesting clinical findings deriving from this technique are: tissue conditioning is an important phase prior to the surgical resection of a large EF and occlusal functions can be maintained during the procedures with patient´s corrected dentures. After clinical, radiological and pathological examinations, the diagnosis was of an EF induced by an ill fitted mandibular denture. The intervention carried out was a combination of a 2 weeks tissue conditioning period followed by a cold blade surgical resection. After a 3 months follow-up period, a completely healed vestibular sulcus was observed with no scar tissue. The present technique facilitates the resection surgery by removing the inflammatory component of the EF. It also guides the post-surgical tissue healing, allowing the obtention of a deep vestibular sulcus, thus creating a better bearing surface for subsequent renewed dentures. Not depriving the patient of her dentures during the healing process helped to improve her quality of life and her cooperation.