Laser Dentistry for Oral Lesions

How Are Lasers Used to Treat Oral Lesions?

Lasers produce a narrow beam of intense light. They are ideal for treating lesions in your oral cavity and on the lips. Our Dental One Associates of Columbia offices use safe and effective treatments with Biolase® lasers. In the past, your only options for oral lesions treatment included topical products, medications and home remedies. Today, lasers make it possible for a dentist to treat lesions quickly and painlessly. You’ll also see much faster results than you would with traditional treatments. Keep reading to learn what types of oral lesions respond to laser therapy and what you can expect during treatment.

Types of Oral Lesions We Can Treat with Laser Dentistry

We can treat the following lesions safely and effectively with lasers:

Cold Sores

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, frequently come from the herpes simplex virus. They are very common, frequently appearing on the lips, but sometimes they show up on the gums or the roof of the mouth. You’ll probably feel an itching before the fluid-filled cold sore or sores appear. Once the sore breaks, a yellowish crust will appear and then fall off. Without any treatment, the sore usually disappears in about two weeks. Treatment is suggested if you have a weakened immune system, the sores are painful or do not disappear on their own.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are painful sores inside your mouth. They usually appear on the tongue, on the inside the cheeks or on the roof of your mouth. The oral lesions are usually round with a red border and a yellow or white center. Stress, an injury or acidic foods will cause canker sores to appear. With no treatment, the sores will disappear in about two weeks, but laser dentistry for oral lesions can ease the pain and discomfort immediately.

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is an abnormal clump of blood vessels that appears red and rubbery. They are benign tumors and generally not harmful. Adults usually get hemangioma on the face and neck, but they can also appear in the mouth. If the tumor interferes with chewing, one of our dentists can remove it with a laser.

HPV

The human papillomavirus is a very common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Various types of HPV can cause lesions on the soft palate or tongue. Most of these lesions present a low risk for oral cancer, but others present a high risk. It’s important to have a dentist evaluate any suspicious lesion you notice.

What Are the Advantages of Laser Dentistry Treatment?

Since dentists began using lasers, patients have enjoyed numerous benefits. When getting treatment for various types of oral lesions, you can expect:

• Less pain and discomfort
• A quick procedure
• Rapid healing times
• No need to buy expensive medicines
• No need to worry about prescription drug interactions
• Rapid relief from a painful lesion

Can I Diagnose My Oral Lesion Type?

If you frequently get cold sores, you probably know exactly what they look and feel like. Still, you should always have any oral lesion checked out by a dentist in case it isn’t a cold sore this time. If your dentist finds a lesion that looks suspicious, he or she may want to take a biopsy to ensure there are no major problems.

What Does Oral Lesions Treatment Involve?

Treatment is simple and fast. Expect your dentist to photograph the lesions to gauge the healing time. You won’t need anything to numb the area in most cases as all you will feel is warmth. Your dentist will provide you with special glasses to wear that are similar to sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun. The dentist adjusts the laser so he or she can have pinpoint accuracy and not damage any healthy tissue. Treatment usually lasts 15 minutes or less.

A Dentistry Today Case Study for Effectiveness of Lasers on Oral Lesions

Dentistry Today published case study about a 32-year-old male patient who went to his dentist complaining of burring pain from cold sores. His discomfort was so bad that it interfered with his speaking, eating and sleeping. His dentist suggested laser therapy with the Epic X diode laser from Biolase.

The patient reported no pain during the treatment, just warmth at the site. When the man returned the next day for a follow up appointment, he reported his discomfort was gone and he could resume his daily activities. The dentist confirmed the lesions were nearly healed.

Are You Searching for Laser Dentistry Treatment in the Columbia Area?

If you have uncomfortable fever blisters, canker sores, or other lesions, please contact us at Dental One Associates of Columbia to speak with one of our dentists at one of our convenient offices. We would be happy to explain the process in more detail and tell you how we can help.