Healing of Necrosis of the Palatal Mucosa During Maxillary Expansion by Ozone Therapy: A Rare Case Report with A 2-Year Follow-Up

Alparslan Dilsiz*, Zeynep Tekin, Fevziye Bekdas, Edanur Diri and Suheda Tak

Background: Oral soft tissue injuries may arise from accidental events, self-inflicted habits, or iatrogenic causes associated with dental treatment. Traumatic lesions affecting the oral cavity can result from chemical, thermal, or mechanical factors and frequently manifest as gingival recession, ulceration, burning sensations, or tissue necrosis. Among these conditions, iatrogenic injuries represent a recognized complication related to various dental procedures. Although rapid maxillary expansion appliances are widely used in orthodontics, reports describing palatal mucosal necrosis associated with these devices remain limited. Therefore, the present case report aimed to demonstrate the harmful effects of an orthodontic expander on palatal soft tissues and to present the successful management of the lesion.

Case Presentation: A 17-year-old female patient presented to our clinic complaining of intense pain and a burning sensation in the maxillary region that impaired her ability to eat, swallow, and speak comfortably. During anamnesis, she reported that the palatal mucosa had become traumatized approximately two weeks after placement of an orthodontic appliance. The treatment protocol included oral hygiene education, surgical removal of the necrotic soft tissue, topical ozone therapy, adjustment and polishing of the orthodontic appliance, and detailed postoperative instructions for the patient.

Results: Complete healing was observed four weeks after the surgical procedure and ozone therapy, and the affected area exhibited a clinically normal appearance at the three-month follow-up examination. She was followed for approximately 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusion: Traumatic lesions affecting the oral cavity may develop both in clinical settings and in daily life environments. Adequate clinical experience, professional competence, and current knowledge of dental practitioners play a critical role in minimizing the risk of iatrogenic injuries.

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Published on: Aug 14, 2026 Pages: 22-25

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2394-8418.000137
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