Periodontics · single question
A patient's DISTOLINGUAL CUSP of tooth #32 is fractured and they have an ulcer on the lateral tongue. What is the FIRST step?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Restore the fractured cusp OR selective grinding of the sharp cusp margin
✓ B) Restore the cusp or smooth the sharp margin FIRST.
A traumatic ulcer on the tongue caused by a sharp fractured tooth cusp should be treated by ELIMINATING THE CAUSE first: either restore the fractured tooth or smoothly round the sharp cusp margin (selective grinding). Traumatic ulcers HEAL once the irritant is removed — typically within 1–2 weeks. DO NOT biopsy a traumatic ulcer before eliminating the cause. If the ulcer DOES NOT heal within 2 weeks after removing the source → THEN biopsy. This is the standard protocol: eliminate cause → wait 2 weeks → biopsy if no healing.
A traumatic ulcer on the tongue caused by a sharp fractured tooth cusp should be treated by ELIMINATING THE CAUSE first: either restore the fractured tooth or smoothly round the sharp cusp margin (selective grinding). Traumatic ulcers HEAL once the irritant is removed — typically within 1–2 weeks. DO NOT biopsy a traumatic ulcer before eliminating the cause. If the ulcer DOES NOT heal within 2 weeks after removing the source → THEN biopsy. This is the standard protocol: eliminate cause → wait 2 weeks → biopsy if no healing.