Sir, we would like to share with your readers a case of a 74-year-old partially dentate female patient referred to our oral and maxillofacial surgery department. She presented to her GDP with a loose fitting maxillary complete acrylic denture which she has worn for many years. The denture was relined with a heat cure acrylic and a week later the patient began complaining of a sore palate.

On clinical examination the patient's hard palate was erythematous with some superficial healing ulcers (Fig. 1). When a clinician sees continuing ulcerations, vesicullo-bullous conditions do need to be considered, however, we suspected the patient was reacting locally to leaching of monomer in relation to inadequately cured lining material as she had previously successfully worn this denture for a number of years. The ulceration, also, was only present in the denture bearing area. Simple measures were advised such as leaving her denture out, using warm salt water mouth rinses and a Betamethasone rinse. Her ulceration rapidly improved (Fig. 2).

Patient's hard palate was erythematous with some superficial healing ulcers

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Patient's hard palate after following simple advice

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Although leaching of monomer from inadequately cured denture relining material has been widely reported it is not often seen. There are numerous reports suggesting that residual monomer methylmethacrylate (MMA) in acrylic resin denture bases is associated with mucosal irritation.¹ Also several studies have determined that substances leached out from acrylic resin can lead to irritation of oral tissue, inflammation, or an allergic reaction.²

The key message gained from this case is to take a comprehensive history and examination and appreciate that simple measures can manage many cases.