Causes
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 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. Women during pregnancy can also present with an epulis, which will resolve after birth. Fibroepithelial polyps, pedunculated lesions of the palate beneath an upper denture, are associated with this condition. An epulis fissuratum in a patient without dentures can also be diagnostic of Crohn's disease.
Epulis fissuratum can also appear around dental implants. In this photo, taken after antibiotic and periodontal therapy, it occurred because the implant denture clasp had broken and the patient exhibited poor oral hygiene.
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