Definition
The epulide is a benign proliferative lesion (pseudo-tumor) that develops on the gingival margin.
In most cases, the disorder is determined by inflammatory processes, which are established in the connective tissue of the gingiva or periodontium; such inflammation can be consequent to traumas, local chronic irritations (ex. action of tartar and caries) or to conservative or prosthetic therapies that present inaccurate margins.
These irritative-inflammatory insults determine a hyperplastic reaction, characterized by the tendency to destroy the cellular components present in the gingival mucosa, which can extend to involve the underlying bone tissue.
Poor oral hygiene seems to be a predisposing factor for the disease. In addition, the epulide is found with some frequency in the presence of some hormonal imbalances (eg during pregnancy).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Halitosis
- Jaw pain
- Gum pain
- Swollen Gums
- Reddened gums
- Toothache
- Teeth mobility
- Nodule
Further indications
The epulide is a reactive granuloma that can take on the appearance of a bluish-red nodule; at other times it appears as an irregular growth on the gingival mucosa.
Depending on the case, the lesion may vary in consistency (from soft to hard-elastic) and size (from a few mm to a few cm).
Image taken from the site medeco.de
The epulis is sessile or pedunculated and timpically takes on the periosteum of the alveolar process; however, it can also be found on the lips, tongue, palate and oral mucosa.
If it reaches considerable dimensions, this lesion can cause displacements of the dental elements and invade the underlying bone tissue.
The epulis has a smooth or lobulated surface, which sometimes appears ulcerated and tends to bleed at the slightest insult.
During the diagnostic assessment, the disorder must be distinguished from other proliferative soft tissue injuries, which may have an inflammatory or even neoplastic origin. Therefore, a histological examination may be necessary.
The epulis has the characteristic of not going pale with pressure.
In addition to the removal of local irritative factors, the therapy involves surgical excision, possibly associated with root planing. If the epulis has a particularly invasive character or in case of repeated recurrences, it may be necessary to extract the teeth adjacent to the lesion itself.
