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Restorative & Materials · single question

A patient with a complete denture has a fibrous, hyperplastic 'epulis fissuratum' lesion. The denture flange causing local irritation has already been relieved/adjusted, but the lesion persists. What is the appropriate next step?

  1. Surgical excision of the persistent hyperplastic tissue
  2. Continue relieving the denture indefinitely without further action
  3. Switch to a soft liner only, with no surgical consideration
  4. Reassure the patient that it will resolve on its own with more time, indefinitely
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Surgical excision of the persistent hyperplastic tissue

Epulis fissuratum (denture-induced fibrous hyperplasia) often resolves or improves once the causative chronic irritation (an ill-fitting denture flange) is corrected. However, once fibrous hyperplastic tissue has fully formed and persists despite denture adjustment, it generally requires surgical excision, since the fibrotic tissue itself won't regress on its own — followed by denture relining/remaking once healing is complete.

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