Management of geriatric patient with epulis fissuratum using liquid nitrogen cryosurgery: a case report.

The aim of this report is to present a case showing the treatment of Epulis fissuratum in relation to an ill fitting denture, in a debilitated geriatric patient with a novel technique using liquid nitrogen cryosurgery. Management of geriatric patients can be quite challenging due to the presence of various diseases. Epulis fissuratum associated with an ill fitting denture greatly hinders mastication and produces discomfort and pain to the patient. The liquid nitrogen cryosurgery can be used effectively in its management, due to its excellent haemorrhage control and postoperative healing. A 71-year-old male reported with Epulis fissuratum in the vestibular sulcus, which was associated with an ill- fitting denture. The patient was a known hypertensive and diabetic, presently on anti-coagulant therapy with previous history of myocardial infarction. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery was used for the treatment of the lesion. During the procedure, nil haemorrhage was achieved and the postoperative healing was satisfactory. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery hence can be used effectively in debilitated geriatric patients as it has the boon of achieving excellent haemostasis, good healing with minimal postoperative oedema and pain, maintaining an aseptic environment. This novel technique can be effectively used by dentists in the treatment of Epulis fissuratum besides it can also be used in treatment of other oral soft tissue pathologies achieving a plethora of benefits.