Which treatment option is appropriate for a patient with an epulis who has ill-fitting dentures?

Which treatment option is appropriate for a patient with an epulis who has ill-fitting dentures?

• A. Fabricate new denture
• B. Administer antibiotics
• C. Apply steroids
• D. Reline denture

Answer: (D)

The appropriate treatment option for a patient with an epulis and ill-fitting dentures is to reline the denture. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and pressure on the underlying soft tissue, which may lead to the development of an epulis, a benign growth that can occur in response to the irritation caused by the denture. Relining the denture involves adding material to the inner surface of the denture, allowing it to better conform to the contours of the patient’s gums and improving fit. By improving the fit, the reline can alleviate the pressure on the affected area and promote healing of the epulis. This approach addresses the underlying issue of the ill-fitting dentures, thus potentially resolving the cause of the epulis. While fabricating new dentures might also solve the problem, it is often more time-consuming and may not be necessary if a simple reline can provide a proper fit. Administering antibiotics is not indicated unless there is a clear sign of infection, and applying steroids may be considered in inflammatory conditions but does not directly address the mechanical cause of the epulis related to ill-fitting dentures. Therefore, relining is the most direct and suitable solution in this scenario.

The appropriate treatment option for a patient with an epulis and ill-fitting dentures is to reline the denture. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and pressure on the underlying soft tissue, which may lead to the development of an epulis, a benign growth that can occur in response to the irritation caused by the denture.

Relining the denture involves adding material to the inner surface of the denture, allowing it to better conform to the contours of the patient’s gums and improving fit. By improving the fit, the reline can alleviate the pressure on the affected area and promote healing of the epulis. This approach addresses the underlying issue of the ill-fitting dentures, thus potentially resolving the cause of the epulis.

While fabricating new dentures might also solve the problem, it is often more time-consuming and may not be necessary if a simple reline can provide a proper fit. Administering antibiotics is not indicated unless there is a clear sign of infection, and applying steroids may be considered in inflammatory conditions but does not directly address the mechanical cause of the epulis related to ill-fitting dentures. Therefore, relining is the most direct and suitable solution in this scenario.