Frequency and Location of Traumatic Ulceration Subsequent to the Placement of Complete Denture

Background: The objectives of complete denture prosthodontics are to restore the function and esthetics that were provided by the lost natural dentition and the supporting structures.1 Insertion of a denture does not mark the end of, but it needs regular follow-up.2 During follow-up visits, patients might present with mucosal ulcers in different regions of the oral cavity. Most common location of these ulcers need to be evaluated during follow up visits to address the complaints appropriately and ensure patient comfort. Objective: To determine the frequency and common location of traumatic mucosal ulceration caused by a complete denture in an edentulous patient during follow-up visits.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar, from August to December 2024. A total of 121 systemically healthy patients aged 45–75 years, requiring conventional maxillary and mandibular complete dentures, were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. Complete dentures were fabricated following standard procedures under a prosthodontist's supervision. Patients were recalled on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after insertion and subsequently at weekly intervals. At each visit, traumatic ulcerations and their locations were recorded, and necessary denture adjustments were made. Comfort was defined as absence of complaints and ulcerations.Results: Among 121 patients (mean age 59.1 ± 5.7 years), most were male (65.3%) and urban residents (73.6%). The mean number of visits was 2.88 ± 1.14. Ulcerations occurred most often at the labial frenum (21.5%), maxillary tuberosity (17.4%), and buccal frenum (14.9%), while the lingual frenum/sublingual flange area was least affected (1.7%). Stratification showed no significant association of ulceration with age, gender, or education, but a significant association was found with residence, with urban patients more frequently affected (p = 0.041).Conclusion: Traumatic ulcerations were most common at the labial frenum and maxillary tuberosity, with urban patients more frequently affected. Attention to high-risk areas during denture fabrication and adjustment can improve patient comfort and clinical outcomes.