Laser dentistry for oral lesions in Sturbridge

How Many Types of Oral Lesions Are There?

Many types of lesions can be found throughout the body, but oral lesions are very common. Most types of oral lesions are benign, but some should receive immediate attention. The following are the most common types of oral lesions that occur in and around the oral cavity:

Canker Sores

Medically termed aphthous ulcers, canker sores usually appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth or at the base of the gums. They’re harmless but painful and can interfere with your daily activities such as eating, and brushing your teeth, among other activities. If you have a canker sore that hasn’t healed within a couple of weeks, you should schedule a dental appointment without delay.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are also called fever blisters, although you can have a cold sore without having a fever. They are a viral infection that erupts as fluid-filled blisters that are sometimes preceded by a tingling feeling in the area. They’ll go away without treatment, usually within three weeks or less, but they’re uncomfortable and unsightly. Some people are more inclined to develop cold sores than are others.

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is a birthmark that looks red and rubbery. It’s not cancerous but occurs due to extra blood vessels. It can develop anywhere on the body but usually appears on the face, neck, scalp, or neck. On rare occasions, a hemangioma will develop in the oral cavity.

HPV

HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease that’s more prevalent than any other STD in America. Although the lesions aren’t usually cancerous, they cause normal cells to become precancerous, so an HPV lesion should be removed without delay. This will make sure it doesn’t spread and become cancerous.

Does the Laser Dentistry Treatment for Oral Lesions Work Well?

As an oral lesions treatment, laser therapy offers several benefits compared to traditional treatments, such as:

• Reduces the need for anesthesia
• It’s less traumatic to the gum tissues
• The treatment is less painful
• It promotes healing so recovery time is shorter
• It’s more precise than traditional treatments
• It’s faster than other types of treatment methods
• Reduces the need for painkillers and the possible dependence on them in the future

What’s the Diagnostic Procedure for Oral Lesions?

When you come to the office for your appointment, your dentist will inspect your oral cavity to determine the type of lesion you have. We’ll be checking your tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and palate for bumps, lumps, or any other type of abnormal tissue. We may need to do a biopsy or an x-ray to ensure that there aren’t any underlying problems. A biopsy is a small amount of tissue that we remove and send to a pathology lab to test. A cold sore or canker sore is usually very obvious, but if anything doesn’t look normal, then we’ll do a biopsy.

What’s the Procedure for Treatment?

When you come to our office for your laser procedure, your dentist will numb the local area before proceeding. Then, we’ll use a laser to remove the lesion and cauterize the tissues surrounding it. Using the correct laser wavelength enables your dentist to remove the lesion without damaging the surrounding tissues. Usually, our patients report an immediate cessation of pain and a much faster healing time.

Do Case Studies Exist About Laser Treatment for Oral Lesions?

The Dentistry Today magazine reported on a 32-year-old male who presented with burning pain that interfered with his normal activities. He had difficulty eating, sleeping, and speaking due to an outbreak of the herpes simplex virus. The lesion was treated with the Biolase® Epic X diode laser, and the patient reported feeling warmth but no pain. He was asked to return the following day for a second laser dentistry treatment, but the lesion showed significant improvement at the second appointment and the patient was able to resume his normal lifestyle.

Where’s the Best Place to Learn More About Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions?

If you’re interested in an oral lesions treatment for cold sores, canker sores, or any other type of sore in your mouth, call Baystate Dental of Sturbridge at (774) 316-2352 and let us help you. We can schedule an appointment with one of our specially-trained dentists or answer any questions you may have about the procedure. We have several offices throughout the Sturbridge area, so one should be convenient for you. You can also book your appointment online at your convenience. Call us today. You’ll be glad you made the call.