Aphthous ulcers--a review of the literature on etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations are seen in everyday dental practice. These lesions may easily be misdiagnosed and mistreated. A comprehensive but nondefinitive review of the literature is presented in hope that the practitioner can better diagnose, evaluate, research, and treat RAS. Although many modalities of treatment have been advocated, a truly effective therapeutic regimen to prevent RAS does not yet seem available. Additional research on the ideology, pathogenesis, and treatment of RAS is, therefore, needed.