Epulis

This is a benign, localised swelling of the gingiva.

There are two types:

• fibrous epulis:
  • fibrous tissue tumour that arises from the periodontal membrane
  • usually presents as a slowly growing, smooth, firm lump that generally emerges between two teeth
  • this lesion is treated via excision and curettage of the origin
    
    
• giant cell epulis:
  • consists of giant cells in a vascular stroma
  • may invade local bone
  • often, like the fibrous variety, presents as a gingival lump emerging between two teeth, however it grows more quickly and is an irregular red fleshy mass
  • the mass may ulcerate or bleed
  • treatment is extraction of associated teeth and excision and curettage of local bone, this form of treatment is necessary in order to prevent recurrence