Home Print this page Email this page
Users Online: 7746
Home About us Editorial board Search Ahead of print Current issue Archives Submit article Instructions Subscribe Contacts Login 


 
 Table of Contents  
CASE REPORT
Year : 2016  |  Volume : 5  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 274-277

Oral lichenoid contact reaction to a complete denture: A rare case report


Department of Periodontology, Army Dental Centre Research and Referral, New Delhi, India

Date of Web Publication15-Nov-2016

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Mukherji Arnav
15/202, Heritage Apartments, On DBP Road, Yelahanka, Bengaluru - 560 064, Karnataka
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2278-344X.194133

Rights and Permissions
  Abstract 

Various restorative materials used in dentistry may cause contact allergy reactions in mouth. The pathogenic relationship between oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) and dental materials has been confirmed many times. This case reports occurrence and management of OLR to acrylic material.

Keywords: Contact allergy, oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid reaction


How to cite this article:
Rath S K, Arnav M. Oral lichenoid contact reaction to a complete denture: A rare case report. Int J Health Allied Sci 2016;5:274-7

How to cite this URL:
Rath S K, Arnav M. Oral lichenoid contact reaction to a complete denture: A rare case report. Int J Health Allied Sci [serial online] 2016 [cited 2024 Mar 28];5:274-7. Available from: https://www.ijhas.in/text.asp?2016/5/4/274/194133


  Introduction Top


Oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) or oral lichenoid lesion (OLL) is a term that represents a common end point in response to extrinsic agents (materials, allergens), altered self-antigens, or superantigens. OLL is thus used to describe eruptions of the oral cavity having an identifiable etiology, which are clinically and histologically similar to oral lichen planus (OLP).[1]

In the literature, different terms are used to refer to these lesions. OLRs have sometimes been considered as the part of OLP[2],[3] and have also been described as contact allergies,[4] OLL,[5],[6] or contact lesions.[7] The term OLR was proposed by Finne et al. in 1982[2] to designate clinically indistinguishable lesions of OLP. OLRs may also result from systemic drug exposure, termed as oral lichenoid drug reaction (OLDR), or local allergic contact hypersensitivity, termed as oral lichenoid contact reaction (OLCR). OLL share common clinical and histological features to OLP, which is an autoimmune disorder exaggerated in the oral cavity.

Since this concept was proposed, these lesions have been described as a response to a wide variety of triggering factors and said to involve several clinical types. OLR presenting as contact stomatitis relates to immune-mediated hypersensitivity. These have been discovered to be in direct topographic relation with dental restorative materials, most commonly with amalgam. Although OLRs related to nonmetallic dental materials are notably less frequent than those to metallic materials, cases presenting the reaction to denture base materials, dental cements, endodontic irrigants have been documented.

Here, is a report that presents such an exceptional case of oral soft tissue contact reaction to acrylic base denture material in the form of a soft tissue enlargement occupying the vestibule.


  Case Report Top


A 56-year-old female patient, wife of a retired personnel, reported to the Department of Periodontology, with the chief complaint of swelling in the upper front gums for the past 3 months and difficulty in wearing dentures due to the same reason. The history of present illness revealed that the patient was asymptomatic 3 months back and the present complaint started with mild pain in the upper front gums, following which the patient noticed redness in the region. A painless growth appeared in the region which grew to the present size over the past 3 months.

On eliciting the medical history, the patient reported no underlying disease or conditions for which she is seeking, or has undergone any medical consultation. She was not on any medications, no admissions to hospital or a day care facility in the last 6 months, and reported to be otherwise systemically healthy. She gave a history of uneventful childbearing and delivery twice, and attainment of menopause at the age of 45 years.

Dental history revealed multiple tooth extractions over the past 20 years. The prime reason for the extractions was dental caries and tooth mobility. She had been using dentures for the past 2 years.

Family history was noncontributory. On general physical examination, she was moderately built, adequately nourished, and with erect posture. There were no clinical signs of anemia, cyanosis, or icterus. Extraoral examination revealed a bilaterally symmetrical face with no sinus, swelling, or scar. A convex lateral facial profile, 5 cm of mouth opening and competent lips at rest were noted. Temporomandibular joint was normal on palpation and visual examination.

Dental examination revealed completely edentulous maxillary arch and partially edentulous mandibular arch with the presence of anteriors and first premolars bilaterally. The patient wore upper a complete denture and a partial lower denture for the past 2 years. On examining the dentures, it was noticed that the maxillary dentures were slightly overextended at the labial vestibular area.

The buccal and labial mucosa was normal in color, contour, and consistency. A mucosal overgrowth was observed in the upper anterior vestibular area on either side of the labial frenum [Figure 1]a and b. The lesion was pink and in confluence with the adjoining mucosa, the size measured at approximately 2 cm in length, 1 cm in width, and 0.5 cm in breadth. The lesion was pedunculated, nontender, nonpulsatile, and firm in consistency on palpation. The mucosal attachment was free from the underlying bone and freely movable with the mucosal retraction. Radiographic analysis was performed using orthopantomogram and intraoral periapical radiograph of the involved site. No osseous lesions or pathology was noted [Figure 2].
Figure 1: (a) Mucosal overgrowth in the upper anterior vestibular area, (b) mucosal overgrowth in either side of frenum

Click here to view
Figure 2: Orthopantomogram showing absence of osseous lesion

Click here to view


Based on the patient's history, clinical and radiographical examination, a provisional diagnosis of a soft tissue fibroma due to chronic denture irritation was arrived at. A unilateral excisional biopsy of the lesion of the right side, followed by histological examination was planned to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Initially, only one lesion was undertaken for biopsy to diagnose the lesion and to avoid additional postoperative morbidity and discomfort to the patient.

A complete hematological analysis including complete blood count, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fasting/postprandial blood glucose estimation was carried out, and results were normal.

The surgical site was prepared with extraoral disinfection by 5% Povidine-iodine scrub and intraoral 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. Local anesthesia in the form of ring infiltration with 2% lignocain HCL with 1:80000 adrenaline was administered by a 30-gauge needle, circumferentially around the lesion in the healthy mucosa.

A 15c blade was used to give a full thickness incision surrounding the lesion on all sides. The incision included 2 mm of healthy, uninvolved mucosa on the lesion periphery [Figure 3]a. The full thickness incision and the involvement of the healthy tissue in the incision design, assured the removal of the lesion in total [Figure 3]b, failure of which could lead to relapse. The surgical site was sutured with interrupted 3-0 silk, and healing by primary intention was aimed [Figure 3]c. The patient was advised to discontinue wearing dentures and not to brush on the operated site till the removal of the sutures. Analgesics in the form of ibuprofen 400 mg twice daily for 2 days and mouth rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily for 1 week were prescribed. The patient was recalled after 24 h to check for any uneventful morbidity, which was ruled out and suture removal was planned 10 days postoperatively.
Figure 3: (a) Incision given, (b) complete removal of overgrowth done, (c) sutures placed

Click here to view


The excised tissue measuring 1.5 cm by 1 cm [Figure 4]a and b was immediately fixed and transported in 10% formalin solution, to the Department of Pathology, Army Hospital Research and Referral Delhi Cantt, for histological examination.
Figure 4: (a) The excised tissue measuring 1.5 cm by 1 cm, (b) the excised tissue measuring 1.5 cm by 1 cm

Click here to view


The histological analysis of H and E stained section of the lesion revealed squamous cell epithelial lining showing acanthosis and focal elongation of rete pegs in "saw tooth-" shaped pattern. Two distinct patterns of plasma cell infiltration in the dermo-epidermoid junction were seen - one dense and focal and the other scant to moderate diffuse. Dermal edema with no evidence of malignancy was noted. The lesion was identified as a lichenoid reaction [Figure 5]. Based on patient medical and dental history, a diagnosis of OLCR to dental material, that is, acrylic based denture material was arrived at.
Figure 5: H and E section showing patterns of plasma cell infiltration in the dermo-epidermoid junction. No evidence of malignancy were noted

Click here to view


The patient was informed and advised to discontinue wearing dentures till the complete healing of the surgical site. Ten days postoperatively, suture removal was done [Figure 6]a. One month postoperative evaluation revealed satisfactory healing without keloid formation [Figure 6]b.
Figure 6: (a) Postoperative view after 10 days, (b) postoperative view after 1 month without any keloid formation

Click here to view



  Discussion Top


The etiology of lumbar puncture is still under discussion, with a tendency to self-immunity, whereas the etiology of OLRs is related to the contact with specific agents, such as metallic restorative materials, resins, and drugs, allowing the establishment of a cause-effect relationship.

In this case, the tissue alteration is thought to be caused by the antigen fixation in the keratinocytes, which are recognized and destructed by cells of the immune system.[8],[9] Denture base dental materials play a fundamental role in the appearance of OLCR in the oral mucosa. The reaction to resin materials was reported by Blomgren et al.[10] Ali et al.[11] studied hypersensitivity to acrylic denture base material, and noted the resolution of the lesions of mouth after removal of the prosthesis.

Lesions of OLCR in relation to dental acrylic prosthesis are located in opposition or near proximity to the denture base, and lesions are limited to such sites of contact. Typical sites include the lateral borders of the tongue and buccal/labial mucosa and the buccal/labial vestibular areas. Van der Meij and van der Waal[12] proposed modified WHO criteria according to which OLP could be diagnosed only in cases when both clinical and histopathological criteria are fulfilled, whereas in other cases, the disorder should be considered as OLL.

In the case discussed, the denture flange at the maxillary labial vestibule was evaluated to be a bit overextended. This might have caused repeated impingement of the approximating soft tissue, causing a frank lesion. The lesion with increased vascularity on contact with the denture material might have caused the exuberant lichenoid response as presented. The histological analysis confirmed the typical lichenoid characteristics of the lesion and helped to arrive at the definitive diagnosis.

Not all patients with OLP manifest with the classical bilateral white striae. In such situations, clinicians and pathologists must exercise prudence in blindly branding the lesion as OLL by strict adherence to the 2003 modified criteria.[13] The nonrecurrence of the lesion after the excision of the same and advice of discontinuing the wearing of denture is in accordance to the study by Ali et al.[11]


  Conclusion Top


Lichenoid lesions of the oral mucosa present a diagnostic challenge. It may be difficult to distinguish OLP, OLDR, and OLCR on the basis of clinical and/or histological findings. It is essential to obtain a thorough history and perform a complete mucocutaneous examination in addition to specific diagnostic testing (i.e., direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence, and cutaneous patch testing). In general, OLDR and OLCR resolve once the causative agent has been discontinued.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge Col (Retd.) MK Mukherji, Mrs. S Mukherji, and Dr. Siddharth Mukherji for their valuable help.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

 
  References Top

1.
Eisen D, Carrozzo M, Bagan Sebastian JV, Thongprasom K. Number V oral lichen planus: Clinical features and management. Oral Dis 2005;11:338-49.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Finne K, Göransson K, Winckler L. Oral lichen planus and contact allergy to mercury. Int J Oral Surg 1982;11:236-9.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Ismail SB, Kumar SK, Zain RB. Oral lichen planus and lichenoid reactions: Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management and malignant transformation. J Oral Sci 2007;49:89-106.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Bolewska J, Hansen HJ, Holmstrup P, Pindborg JJ, Stangerup M. Oral mucosal lesions related to silver amalgam restorations. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1990;70:55-8.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Laine J, Kalimo K, Happonen RP. Contact allergy to dental restorative materials in patients with oral lichenoid lesions. Contact Dermatitis 1997;36:141-6.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Pang BK, Freeman S. Oral lichenoid lesions caused by allergy to mercury in amalgam fillings. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:423-7.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Skoglund A. Value of epicutaneous patch testing in patients with oral, mucosal lesions of lichenoid character. Scand J Dent Res 1994;102:216-22.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Thornhill MH, Pemberton MN, Simmons RK, Theaker ED. Amalgam-contact hypersensitivity lesions and oral lichen planus. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003;95:291-9.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Weedon D. The lichenoid tissue reaction. Int J Dermatol 1982;21:203-6.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Blomgren J, Axéll T, Sandahl O, Jontell M. Adverse reactions in the oral mucosa associated with anterior composite restorations. J Oral Pathol Med 1996;25:311-3.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Ali A, Bates JF, Reynolds AJ, Walker DM. The burning mouth sensation related to the wearing of acrylic dentures: An investigation. Br Dent J 1986;161:444-7.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
van der Meij EH, van der Waal I. Lack of clinicopathologic correlation in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus based on the presently available diagnostic criteria and suggestions for modifications. J Oral Pathol Med 2003;32:507-12.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Patil S, Rao RS, Sanketh DS, Sarode SC, Sarode GS. A universal diagnostic criteria for oral lichen planus: An exigency. Int J Contemp Dent Med Rev 2014;14:1-4.  Back to cited text no. 13
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6]



 

Top
 
 
  Search
 
Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
Access Statistics
Email Alert *
Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)

 
  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Case Report
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Article Figures

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed4984    
    Printed150    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded315    
    Comments [Add]    

Recommend this journal