Epulis fissuratum

Epulis fissuratum is a benign hyperplasia of fibrous connective tissue which develops as a reactive lesion to chronic mechanical irritation produced by the flange of a poorly fitting denture.

[1] More simply, epulis fissuratum is where excess folds of firm tissue form inside the mouth, as a result of rubbing on the edge of dentures that do not fit well.

[1] The cause is usually pressure from the flange of a denture which causes chronic irritation and a hyperplastic response in the soft tissues.

A cobble-stone appearance similar to an epulis fissuratum in a patient without dentures can be diagnostic of Crohn's disease.

The diagnosis is made clinically, and usually this is clear cut if the lesion is associated with the flange of a complete denture.

[1] Treatment is by surgical excision (complete removal) of the fibrous tissue overgrowth and addressing the causative factor to prevent recurrence of the lesion.

[9] This condition occurs in association with denture wearing, and so those affected tend to be middle aged or older adults.