Granular type of denture stomatitis. A scanning electron microscopic study of epithelial surface patterns

Biopsy specimens from the palates of patients with full upper dentures were studied by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. Clinically, all cases showed the granular type of denture stomatitis (inflammatory papillary hyperplasia). The surface structure of the epithelium and the morphology of the connective tissue papillae in this hyperplastic lesion were examined and compared to the epithelial surface patterns of normal palatal mucosa. In addition, comparisons were made with the morphologic findings from the studies of other authors on epithelial dysplastic lesions (leukoplakia) and oral carcinoma. Specimens of denture stomatitis revealed a chronic inflammatory reaction and papillary patterns showing broad, irregular connective tissue papillae which supported a focally hyperplastic and partly atrophic surface epithelium. The epithelial surface cells showed slight desquamation, ledged cell borders and surface pitting and/or microridge formation. Maceration preparations revealed unusual, multitufted, connective tissue papillae.