Laser dentistry for oral lesions in Wilbraham

What Types of Oral Lesions Are There?

Several types of oral lesions can occur in and around the mouth. Although most are harmless and very common, a few are cause for concern and should be treated without delay. If you have an oral lesion, be sure to contact your dentist without delay. The most common types of oral lesions we see are:

Canker Sores

Canker sores are medically termed aphthous ulcers, and they’re very common. They usually erupt on any of the soft oral tissues inside the mouth or at the base of the gums. They usually resolve on their own, but if you have a canker sore that hasn’t resolved in two weeks, you should consult your Wilbraham dentist.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus, either type 1 or type 2, and are a viral infection, so they won’t respond to antibiotics. They’re often preceded by a tingling sensation in the area where they’re going to erupt, and they look like fluid-filled blisters. Usually, they erupt on or around the outside of the mouth and resolve within three weeks or sooner.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are bright red, rubbery bumps that are comprised of extra blood vessels. They’re birthmarks that can occur anywhere on the body but usually occur on the back, face, neck, or scalp. Rarely, they will occur in the oral cavity.

HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is an STD, or sexually transmitted disease, that has the unfortunate distinction of being the most commonly spread STD in the United States. There are more than 100 types of the virus, some of which affect the throat and mouth. Oral HPV lesions may be accompanied by earaches, difficultly swallowing, hoarseness, enlarged lymph nodes, or a sore throat. If you have an HPV lesion, it should be treated promptly. Although an HPV lesion is not usually cancerous, it’s considered precancerous because it transforms normal cells into abnormal cells.

Are There Benefits to Laser Therapy for Oral Lesions Treatment?

Laser dentistry treatment provides several benefits, such as:

• It’s faster than alternative or traditional treatment methods
• It’s more precise than traditional methods
• Recovery and healing is faster with a laser treatment
• There’s little to no trauma to the gum tissue
• There’s virtually no bleeding with a laser treatment, which reduces the need for prescriptions or potential drug interactions
• Laser treatments require significantly less anesthesia
• Laser treatments are significantly less painful and uncomfortable

What’s the Procedure for Diagnosing Oral Lesions?

When you come to our Wilbraham office, your dentist will examine your cheeks, gums, lips, palate, and tongue for any abnormalities. We may also take some clinical photographs, and you may need an x-ray. Often, the lesion is very apparent, but if your dentist notices an abnormality, we may take a soft tissue biopsy which will be sent to a pathology lab for evaluation. This is often done along with your laser therapy.

What Happens During the Laser Dentistry Treatment Process?

When you are ready for the laser treatment, your dentist will numb the local area and use a dental laser to remove the lesion and cauterize the area. By adjusting the wavelength of the laser, your dentist is able to precisely remove the lesion without damaging the surrounding tissue. Patients usually experience immediate pain relief and faster healing.

What Case Studies Are Available?

Dentistry Today, the nation’s leading, peer-reviewed clinical magazine, reported on a 32-year-old man who requested laser dentistry for an outbreak of herpes simplex virus in his oral cavity. The lesions were interfering with his daily routine of eating, sleeping, and speaking, and he was in severe pain. He received a Biolase® Epic X diode laser treatment and was scheduled to return the next day for a follow-up treatment. However, by the next day, his lesion had significantly improved, and he was pain-free and able to resume his daily routine.

Where Can I Learn More About Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions?

If you’re interested in the laser oral lesions treatment, then call Baystate Dental of Wilbraham at (413) 241-6871, and we can help you. We have several locations throughout the area, so one of them is sure to be conveniently located for you. Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.