Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions in New Baltimore

In a world before oral lesions could be treated via the use of laser dentistry, people utilized medications, chemicals, topical products, and home remedies to address their lesions. These treatments weren’t always effective and were oftentimes uncomfortable. Utilizing laser dentistry rids you of the problem at its source. It also allows for a faster healing process. Here, we will discover more about what causes different types of oral lesions, as well as how they can be treated via the use of laser therapy.

What Are the Different Types of Oral Lesions?

There are many different kinds of lesions that can occur in the oral cavity. Some of these lesions are common and cause no lasting harm, while others are rare and can be indicators of a serious issue. Let’s learn more about the different kinds of lesions that can form within your mouth.

Canker Sores

Aphthous ulcers are commonly referred to as canker sores. These are a common problem and tend to form near the base of the gums, as well as on any soft oral tissues. While canker sores are harmless, they can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Most will heal on their own within two weeks. If you have a canker sore that has lasted for longer than two weeks, speak with your dentist.

Cold Sores

These lesions are also known as fever blisters. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is the most common type of viral infection. They present as blisters that are filled with fluid on or near the lips. Most cold sores go away without any treatment after two to three weeks have passed. There are some individuals who may have outbreaks at a higher frequency and at a more severe level than others do.

Hemangiomas

This type of non-cancerous legion presents itself as a birthmark that is bright red in color. It tends to have a rubbery appearance and it has extra blood vessels. Hemangiomas mostly form on the scalp, face, back or neck. On rare occasions, they form within the mouth.

HPV

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in existence. This common sexually transmitted disease has multiple subtypes that can affect the mouth and throat. Lesions caused by HPV can happen anyplace within your oral cavity. Common symptoms associated with these lesions are sore throats, enlarged lymph nodes, earaches, having a hard time swallowing and more. These lesions are considered to be precancerous, therefore it is necessary to remove them as soon as possible.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Lesions of the Mouth

Receiving oral lesions treatment via laser dentistry treatment has a number of benefits associated with it. This method of treatment:

• Offers a more precise form of treatment that better preserves healthy tissue.
• Tends to use less anesthesia.
• Lessens trauma to the gum tissue.
• Decreases pain and discomfort.
• Works faster than other treatments.
• Helps to promote faster recovery and healing.
• Reduces the need for prescription pain relievers and other medications.

Diagnosing Oral Lesions

Before you can have any kind of oral lesions treatment, you need to have your dentist properly diagnose your lesions. This is done via a thorough examination of the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums and palate for any sort of bumps, lumps or other kinds of abnormalities. In most cases, your dentist will take photographs. Occasionally, your dentist may desire to take an x-ray to be sure that there are no problems occurring underneath.

Lesions such as cold sores and canker sores are relatively simple to diagnose. However, if the dentist sees anything abnormal during your examination, he or she may take a biopsy of the area. This generally occurs when your laser treatment takes place and consists of the dentist taking a smart part of the tissue removed and submitting it to a pathology lab to be tested.

The Treatment Process

The treatment process for an oral lesion consists of your dentist utilizing local anesthesia to the affected area. This numbs the area so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. A dental laser is then used to cut the lesion out. The laser also cauterizes the tissues surrounding the lesion. The dentist will adjust the laser to a wavelength that won’t harm healthy tissue around the problematic tissue. The majority of patients state that they had immediate pain relief after their treatment. They also reported fast healing times.

Receiving Laser Dentistry Treatment for Viral Lesions: A Case Study

Mouth lesions caused by viruses used to be treated via the use of topical or systemic medications. However, a study featured in Dentistry Today shows how successful laser dentistry for oral lesions caused by viruses can be.

The study followed the case of a 32-year-old male patient who was experiencing a generalized, burning pain along the upper dental arch. This discomfort was interfering with activities such as eating, sleeping and speaking. The dentist diagnosed the patient with a herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreak.

The Biolase Epic X diode laser was used to treat the viral lesion. Once the treatment had been completed, the patient was asked to return the next day to see if a second laser treatment session was necessary.

The next day, the patient arrived at the office and reported that all of his pain and discomfort had gone away. He was back to eating, speaking and sleeping normally. Upon examining the patient, the lesions were found to be less inflamed. It was also discovered that the lesions had healed significantly.

Get in Touch with Gentle Dental of New Baltimore to Learn More

If you’re struggling with discomfort or pain caused by a cold sore, canker sore or another type of oral lesion, contact our dentists at Gentle Dental of New Baltimore to book an appointment at one of our locations serving the New Baltimore area. You can book an appointment online or via the phone.