Traumatic Ulceration — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOral MedicineTraumatic UlcerationORE Part 1

A patient attends 2 weeks after receiving new upper and lower partial dentures. They have bilateral shallow, linear ulcers on the buccal mucosae at the level of the occlusal plane. Each ulcer has a yellow base and an erythematous margin. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Denture-related traumatic ulceration

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as C · A = shown as E

A is correct. The temporal relationship to new dentures, together with bilateral linear shallow ulcers exactly at the occlusal level, is typical of repetitive mechanical trauma from a denture flange, tooth contact or occlusal discrepancy. SDCEP specifically recognises dentures as a local traumatic cause of oral ulceration. Erosive lichen planus usually has reticular white striae and more chronic erythematous or erosive areas. Pemphigus vulgaris causes fragile bullae followed by widespread irregular erosions rather than contact-site linear ulcers. Minor aphthae are recurrent, discrete round or oval ulcers and are not explained by a new mechanical irritant. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to be persistent, indurated and unexplained; a non-healing ulcer after removal of trauma requires investigation.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme. Management of Acute Dental Problems: Oral ulceration. Current webpage, accessed July 2026. https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/management-of-oral-conditions/common-oral-conditions/oral-ulceration/