Laser dentistry for oral lesions in West Springfield

Are There Different Types of Oral Lesions?

There are several types of oral lesions that can occur in your mouth. Most are harmless, even if they’re uncomfortable and unsightly. However, some lesions warrant immediate treatment, so it’s important to determine the type of lesion you have. The following are the most common:

Canker Sores

Canker sores are medically termed aphthous ulcers and usually occur inside the mouth on soft tissues such as the gums. They’re painful, but usually harmless. However, if a canker sore doesn’t heal within two weeks, you should consult your West Springfield dentist.

Cold Sores

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are among the most frequently occurring oral lesions and usually appear around the mouth or lips. They present as fluid-filled blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex 1 or 2 viruses. They’re not bacterial, so they don’t usually respond to antibiotics but will usually resolve within two or three weeks without treatment.

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma looks like a birthmark. It’s bright red, rubbery, and most often occurs on the back, face, neck, or scalp. Rarely will it occur in the mouth. If you have one in your mouth, however, talk to your dentist about it.

HPV

The human papillomavirus is the most common STD in the United States, and it can cause an oral outbreak. Of the more than 100 known types of HPV, several subtypes of HPV can affect the mouth and throat. They can occur anywhere in the mouth and are often accompanied by difficulty swallowing, earaches, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, or hoarseness. HPV lesions should be removed immediately since they change normal cells into abnormal cells and are considered to be precancerous. If you have an HPV lesion, don’t delay in getting it removed.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions?

Laser dentistry treatment for most types of oral lesions provides several benefits, including:

• It’s faster than traditional or alternative methods
• It’s more precise than other methods
• It promotes healing and recovery
• It reduces trauma to gum tissue
• It reduces the need for prescription medication, which reduces potential interactions
• It reduces the amount of anesthesia needed
• It reduces discomfort and pain

How Are Oral Lesions Diagnosed?

Your dentist will perform an examination and assessment of your oral tissues and will look for any abnormalities in your cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue. Depending on the results, you may need an x-ray, and you’ll likely have clinical photographs taken. If your West Springfield dentist notices any abnormalities, then you may need a biopsy, which consists of removing a small amount of tissue and sending it to a pathology lab for testing.

What’s Involved in the Oral Lesions Treatment Process?

If you’re receiving laser treatment for a lesion, your dentist will first numb the area, then excise the lesion and cauterize the tissues surrounding it. By adjusting the wavelength of the laser, the problematic tissue can be removed without damaging the surrounding tissue. Usually, patients experience immediate pain relief as well as expedited healing, and the laser incisions heal quickly and relatively painlessly.

Are There Any Case Studies Around the Use of Lasers for Oral Lesions?

Dentistry Today reported that a 32-year-old male had an outbreak of the herpes simplex virus that was very painful and interfering with his life and daily activities. He was having difficulty eating, sleeping, and speaking. His condition was treated with the Biolase® Epic X diode laser. By the following day, his discomfort and pain were gone, and he didn’t need a second treatment. If you’d like more information on this innovative treatment, call our West Springfield office.

How Can I Learn More About Laser Dentistry Treatment for Oral Lesions?

Lasers are now being used for many types of dental procedures and require specially trained dentists. If you’d like to learn more about using lasers to treat sores in your mouth or any other type of dental issue, then call Baystate Dental of West Springfield at (413) 507-0119 for more information. Our skilled and specially trained dentists can alleviate your pain and discomfort in as little as a single treatment that’s probably covered by your insurance. We have several locations to serve the West Springfield area, so you’re sure to find one of our offices that’s convenient for you. You can call us directly or book your appointment online at your convenience.

Don’t suffer in silence. Call us for an appointment. You’ll be glad you did.