Epulis fissuratum 3951158 135599435 2007-06-03T18:21:38Z Clamster5 1648198 Reverted 1 edit by [[Special:Contributions/Tdjzcspfdr|Tdjzcspfdr]] identified as [[WP:VAND|vandalism]] to last revision by [[User:Dozenist|Dozenist]]. using [[WP:TWINKLE|TW]] '''Epulis fissuratum''' is an [[oral pathology|oral pathologic]] condition that appears in the [[mouth]] as an [[hyperplasia|overgrowth]] of fibrous [[connective tissue]]. Also referred to less commonly as '''inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia''', '''denture epulis''', and '''denture induced fibrous hyperplasia''', it is associated with the edges of a [[denture]] that does not fit well. The word, "epulis", can be used to describe any [[gingiva|gingival]] tumor, but it is widely used in association with this specific condition. Epulis fissuratum appears as a single or multiple fold of tissue that grown in excess around the alveolar vestibule, which is the area where the gums meet the inner [[cheek]]. Usually, the edge of the denture rests in between two of the folds. The excess tissue is firm and fibrous, and [[ulcer|ulcerations]] may be present. The size of the affected tissue varies widely, since almost the entire length of tissue around a denture can be affected. More commonly found in women, it can appear in either the [[mandible]] or [[maxilla]] (upper jaw) but is more commonly found in the anterior portions of the mouth rather than in the posterior. Fibroepithelial polyps, pedunculated lesions of the palate beneath an upper denture, are associated with this condition. The appearance of an epulis fissuratum microscopically is an overgrowth of [[cell (biology)|cells]] from the fibrous connective tissue. The [[epithelium|epithelial cells]] are usually hyperkeratotic and irregular, hyperplastic rete ridges are often seen. Treatment consists of [[surgery|surgical]] removal with the fixing of a denture in a process called a "reline" or with making a new denture. ==References== *Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001. [[Category:Oral pathology]]