Types and Definition of Epulis
- Epulis is a type of benign tumor that occurs in the oral cavity.
- There are different types of epulis, including fibrous epulis, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and pregnancy epulis.
- Fibrous epulis is the most common type and is composed of fibrous connective tissue.
- Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a type of epulis that contains calcified tissue.
Causes and Risk Factors of Epulis
- Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation or trauma to the gingival tissue can contribute to the development of epulis.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy epulis.
- Certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, may be associated with the development of epulis.
- Epulis can occur at any age, but it is more common in adults.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Epulis
- Epulis usually presents as a painless, slow-growing mass on the gingiva.
- The color of the epulis can range from pink to red, and it may have a smooth or lobulated surface.
- Epulis can cause displacement of adjacent teeth.
- Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and biopsy.
Treatment of Epulis
- Surgical excision is the most common treatment for epulis, with the goal of completely removing the tumor and preventing recurrence.
- In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct tooth displacement caused by epulis.
- Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor for recurrence.
- Good oral hygiene practices can help prevent the development of epulis.
Complications and Prognosis of Epulis
- Epulis is a benign tumor and does not have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
- If left untreated, epulis can continue to grow and cause local tissue damage.
- Recurrence of epulis is possible, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed.
- The prognosis for epulis is generally good with appropriate treatment, and regular dental check-ups are important to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Epulis (Greek: ἐπουλίς; plural epulides) is any tumor like enlargement (i.e. lump) situated on the gingival or alveolar mucosa. The word literally means "(growth) on the gingiva", and describes only the location of the mass and has no further implications on the nature of the lesion. There are three types: fibromatous, ossifying and acanthomatous.[medical citation needed] The related term parulis (commonly called a gumboil) refers to a mass of inflamed granulation tissue at the opening of a draining sinus on the alveolus over (or near to) the root of an infected tooth. Another closely related term is gingival enlargement, which tends to be used where the enlargement is more generalized over the whole gingiva rather than a localized mass.
| Epulis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Oral medicine  |
