Laser dentistry for oral lesions in Greenfield

Treating Oral Lesions with Lasers

At our Baystate Dental of Greenfield locations, we use advanced Biolase® lasers to treat lesions with laser energy to target the soft tissue with a precision targeted beam, leaving the healthy tissue intact. Patients feel no heat, pressure or pain, making removing lesions a fast, painless procedure. Laser therapy offers significant advantages over the medications and home remedies we used to rely on to treat cold sores and other lesions. Keep reading to discover more about our state-of-the-art oral lesions treatment.

Types of Oral Lesions We Treat

At our Baystate Dental of Greenfield locations, we routinely treat the following types of oral lesions:

Canker Sores

Canker sores, also called mouth ulcers, are generally harmless and clear up on their own in about two weeks, but in the meantime, most people experience soreness. Sometimes, the sore can persist for a month or two. The sores hurt because they are an injury to the soft tissue on inside of your mouth. Our dentists can provide almost immediate relief from painful canker sores with laser dentistry treatment.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are blisters often see on the lips and occasionally inside the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is very common. About 90 percent of adults have the virus in their bloodstream, but only about one-third will develop cold sores. Generally, cold sores are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort. Cold sores usually heal by themselves in about 10 days. There are OTC and prescription medications, cremes and home remedies to heal cold sores, but nothing works faster than laser therapy.

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is a noncancerous, blood-filled tumor. They most commonly appear in adults when they are between the ages of 30 to 50. Hemangiomas are bright red and can appear anywhere on a person’s body, even in the mouth, although this is rare. A hemangioma starts out flat and then turns into a rubbery-looking bump. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own. We can treat hemangiomas in the oral cavity if they are interfering with chewing or speaking.

Human Papillomavirus

HPV is the most common STD in the U.S. according to the CDC. Some of the many types of the disease can cause oral lesions. A sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing and more may accompany the lesions. Since HPV turns healthy cells abnormal, the lesions are considered precancerous and treatment to remove them is recommended.

What Are the Most Common Benefits of Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions?

Most patients feel painless treatment to be the greatest benefit, but you will also enjoy:

• Significantly reduced healing times
• The laser treatment can help prevent a reoccurrence of a lesion in the same spot
• More healthy tissue is preserved
• No need for expensive medications
• Treatment is quick and affordable

How Do Dentists Diagnose Oral Lesions?

Before undergoing laser therapy, your dentist will visually inspect the lesion and ask how long it has been present and if it is causing you any discomfort. He or she may take an x-ray to ensure there are no problems underneath the lesion. In many cases, a cold or canker sore is obvious, but of your dentist suspects it is another type of lesion, he or she may want to take a biopsy.

A Case Study in Treating a Cold Outbreak with Laser Therapy

Dentistry Today published an interesting case study about a 32-year-old man who was experiencing pain on his upper dental arch. The patient was having trouble eating and sleeping because of the burning pain. His dentist diagnosed an outbreak of cold sores, which were treated with OTC topical or prescription medications years ago.

The patient’s dentist suggested laser therapy with a Biolase diode laser so he could go about his daily activities without pain. The patient found the procedure painless; he only felt a slight warmth at the location of the lesions. When the male patient returned the following day, he stated he could chew without pain and he was sleeping well, as the pain completely subsided. His dentist reported significant healing at the site.

Contact Baystate Dental of Greenfield for Laser Dentistry Treatment Close to Home

If you believe you have one of the types of oral lesions we’ve discussed above and you’re interested in learning if laser therapy can help, please call us. You can also book an appointment online. Our skilled dentist at our Baystate Dental of Greenfield locations can help you with any discomfort you are experiencing.