Traumatic ulcer
DESCRIPTION: An ulcer by definition is a localized area on the skin or mucosa in which the surface epithelium has been destroyed. The shape and size of traumatic ulcers are so variable as to defy a simple description. They are usually painful and of short duration.
ETIOLOGY: Common causes of traumatic ulcers include: denture irritation, biting injuries, burns and friction irritation from sharp or fractured teeth.
TREATMENT: The treatment is to remove the cause if it is known. Relief of pain can be achieved with topical agents such as Orabase-B® with Benzocaine, Zilactin® or Soothe-N-Seal.
PROGNOSIS: The ulcer should heal if the cause is removed. An ulcer which does not heal within two to three weeks should be biopsied to rule out malignancy.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Traumatic ulcers must be differentiated from squamous carcinoma, bacterial, fungal and viral diseases, and other oral mucosal diseases.
