Deformation of mesh type stainless palatal plate of maxillary complete denture and the growth of microorganisms.

Patient: An 83-year-old woman visited the hospital for new complete dentures. A mesh type stainless palatal plate (Trutissu plate) was selected, because it enables the patient to experience the taste and temperature of food. Twenty one months after insertion, the patient returned complaining of pain on mucosa under the mandibular denture base. On clinical examination, a small swollen area was observed on the palatine rugae region of the mesh plate. By making a small hole in the swollen part, a creamy mass of dark brown color was discharged from the swollen space between the laminated structure of the Trutissu plate. Three months after the first deformation was corrected, further deformation of the Trutissu plate was observed. The patient admitted that she had not used the ultrasonic cleansing apparatus. A candidiasis-like lesion was observed on the palatal mucosa.

Discussion: The formation of Candida biofilms on dentures may assist survival of fungal cells and contribute to the disease process in patients with denture stomatitis. In this case, the patient did not use ultrasonic cleaner, thus resulting in microbial accumulation and morphological change of the laminated mesh plate. However, this is rare in the clinical use of the Trutissu mesh plate, and the only case reported in 20 years. Ultrasonic cleansing was effective in removing microorganisms from the denture.

Conclusion: Routine ultrasonic cleansing should be performed to avoid the possible accumulation of microorganisms in the laminated mesh structure.