TREATMENT—Irrigate the undersurface of the tissue flap and the surrounding area with warm saline. Use a 5-ml Luer-Lok syringe with a blunted 18-gauge needle. Figure 2-15 shows how to blunt the needle, and figure 2-16 shows the proper irrigating technique. Wrap a spoon excavator with a portion of a cotton pellet. Place a small amount of glycerite of iodine on the pellet, and wipe the pellet gently under the flap. See figure 2-17. Instruct the patient to rinse with warm saline every 2 hours.

Figure 2-15.—Blunting the needle.

Figure 2-16.—Irrigating beneath the tissue flap.

Figure 2-17.—Applying glycerite of iodine.

Figure 2-18.—Herpetic gingivostomatitis.

Stomatitis and Recurrent Labial Herpes

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa. Two types of stomatitis commonly encountered are herpetic gingivostomatitis and 267.58

aphthous stomatitis. Both conditions are marked by the formation of small blisters and ulcers on the oral mucosa as illustrated in figures 2-18 and 2-19. Recurrent labial herpes is an infection that produces a fever blister or cold sore. Such a