Abstract

Riga’s papilloma or Cardarelli's apthae describes ulceration on the ventral of the tongue in neonates and infants. It is often associated with natal or neonatal teeth. It may rarely occur in older infants. Failure to diagnose and properly treat this lesion can result in inadequate nutrient intake for the infant. Treatment should begin conservatively and should focus on eliminating the source of trauma. The purpose of this study is to describe a clinical case of an infant with Riga’s papilloma on the ventral of the tongue along with the clinical management. The case is very interesting and can be very useful to Pediatric Dentists. A 3 month-old male infant reported for evaluation of a neonatal tooth that was erupting in the mandibular anterior region together with a non-healing oral ulcer. The tooth was not present at the time of his birth. Intra Oral examination revealed one firm tooth crown in the mandibular anterior central incisor region. Examination also revealed ulceration on the ventral surface of tongue. As the neonatal tooth was the cause of the ulceration and pain, extraction of the tooth was chosen as treatment of choice. Patient was re-examined after 3 weeks. Examination revealed complete healing of the ulcer and the extraction socket. With subsequent patient follow-up (at 7 months of age), an occlusal radiograph revealed erupting mandibular central incisors. Hence it was possible to conclude that the neonatal tooth had been a supernumerary.

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