
Do you have a persistent, small bump in your mouth that just won’t go away? It might be a fibroma, a common benign growth that can occur on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue. While usually harmless, fibromas can be annoying, uncomfortable, and even interfere with your daily life. At Central Park Dental in Mansfield, Texas, Dr. Jiyoung Jung offers expert diagnosis and gentle removal of bite and lip fibromas, restoring comfort and confidence to your smile. Call us today at 817-466-1200 or schedule your appointment!
What are Oral Fibromas?
Fibromas, also known as irritation fibromas or traumatic fibromas, are firm, smooth, raised bumps that develop in the mouth. They are not cancerous and are typically caused by chronic irritation or trauma to the oral tissues. Common causes include:
- Biting the cheek or lip: This is the most frequent cause, leading to the term “bite fibroma.”
- Rubbing against dentures or other dental appliances: Ill-fitting dentures or orthodontic devices can irritate the gums and cheeks.
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): The constant pressure can cause tissue changes.
- Sharp teeth: A tooth with a sharp edge can rub against the cheek or lip.
- Oral piercings: The presence of jewelry can lead to irritation and fibroma formation.
Where do Fibromas Typically Appear?
Fibromas can appear anywhere in the mouth but are most commonly found:
- Inner cheeks (buccal mucosa): These are often called bite fibromas due to accidental cheek biting.
- Lips: Especially the inner surface of the lower lip.
- Tongue: Less common, but can occur due to teeth rubbing against the tongue.
- Gums (gingiva): Often related to irritation from dental appliances.
Characteristics of a Fibroma
- Appearance: Usually a small, smooth, round or oval-shaped bump.
- Color: Typically the same color as the surrounding tissue or slightly lighter. It can sometimes appear white if the surface is keratinized (toughened).
- Size: Generally small, ranging from a few millimeters to about a centimeter in diameter.
- Texture: Firm and dense to the touch.
- Symptoms: Usually painless unless repeatedly traumatized. May feel like a foreign object in the mouth.
Why Choose Central Park Dental for Fibroma Removal?
At Central Park Dental, Dr. Jiyoung Jung combines her extensive dental expertise with a compassionate approach to provide the best possible care for her patients. Here’s why you should consider Central Park Dental for your fibroma removal:
- Experience and Expertise: Dr. Jung is a highly skilled and experienced dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care to families in Mansfield, TX. She has a keen eye for detail and a gentle touch, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Jung performs a thorough oral examination to accurately diagnose the lesion and rule out other potential concerns.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: She will discuss the best treatment options with you, tailoring the approach to your specific needs and preferences.
- Advanced Technology: Central Park Dental is equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology, including dental lasers, which can be used for precise and minimally invasive fibroma removal.
- Focus on Patient Comfort: Dr. Jung and her team prioritize patient comfort and strive to create a relaxing and stress-free environment. Her background in child psychology and education allows her to connect with patients of all ages, especially those who may feel anxious about dental procedures.
- Holistic Approach: Dr. Jung understands the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being. She takes a holistic approach, considering how oral health impacts your overall health and quality of life.
The Fibroma Removal Procedure at Central Park Dental
Dr. Jung offers several methods for fibroma removal, depending on the size, location, and your individual needs. These include:
- Surgical Excision: This involves carefully cutting out the fibroma with a scalpel. The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Sutures may be placed to close the incision.
- Laser Removal: Dr. Jung utilizes advanced dental laser technology for precise and minimally invasive fibroma removal. The laser gently removes the fibroma while sealing the surrounding tissues, reducing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Laser removal often results in faster healing and minimal scarring.
Here’s what you can expect during the fibroma removal process at Central Park Dental:
- Consultation and Examination: Dr. Jung will conduct a thorough examination of the lesion, discuss your medical history, and determine the best course of action.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area and ensure a pain-free procedure.
- Removal: Dr. Jung will carefully remove the fibroma using either surgical excision or laser ablation.
- Post-operative Instructions: You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including guidance on pain management, diet, and oral hygiene.
- Follow-up: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure there are no complications.
Benefits of Laser Fibroma Removal
Dr. Jung is particularly excited about the use of dental lasers for fibroma removal due to the numerous benefits they offer:
- Precision: Lasers allow for highly precise removal of the fibroma, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Minimally Invasive: Laser removal is less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.
- Sterilization: The laser sterilizes the area as it removes the fibroma, reducing the risk of infection.
- Faster Healing: Laser treatment promotes faster healing and tissue regeneration.
- Reduced Scarring: Laser removal typically results in minimal scarring.
- Increased Comfort: Many patients find laser treatment to be more comfortable than traditional surgery.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following fibroma removal, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and to prevent complications. Dr. Jung will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, which may include:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage any discomfort. In some cases, Dr. Jung may prescribe stronger pain medication.
- Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the surgical site. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean. Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site for the first few days.
- Avoid Irritants: Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and using mouthwashes containing alcohol, as these can delay healing.
- Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to allow Dr. Jung to monitor your healing progress.
Preventing Fibromas
While it’s not always possible to prevent fibromas, here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Avoid Cheek and Lip Biting: Be mindful of habits like cheek or lip biting and try to break them.
- Properly Fitting Dentures: Ensure that your dentures or other dental appliances fit properly and do not cause irritation. Visit Dr. Jung at Central Park Dental if you experience any discomfort or rubbing.
- Manage Bruxism: If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to Dr. Jung about options for managing bruxism, such as a night guard.
- Smooth Sharp Teeth: If you have a tooth with a sharp edge that is irritating your cheek or lip, Dr. Jung can smooth it down.
- Avoid Oral Piercings: Consider the risks associated with oral piercings and practice good oral hygiene if you have one.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health and detecting any abnormalities early on. During your check-up at Central Park Dental, Dr. Jung will carefully examine your mouth for any signs of fibromas, lesions, or other potential problems. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure optimal oral health.
More Than Just Dentistry
Dr. Jung’s mission is to “Save Teeth. Save Lives.” At Central Park Dental, she focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, emphasizing how oral health impacts overall health. She aims to address facial structures and restore healthy sleep patterns, guiding you toward a healthier, happier you.
Comprehensive Dental Services at Central Park Dental
In addition to fibroma removal, Central Park Dental offers a wide range of dental services to meet all your oral health needs, including:
- Family and Preventative Dentistry: Catering to patients of all ages, focusing on preventative care to ensure long-term dental health for your entire family.
- Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics: Transforming your smile with cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontic treatments like braces and clear aligners.
- General and Restorative Dentistry: Maintaining optimal oral health with general dentistry services, and restoring your smile with advanced restorative procedures.
- Advanced Dental Laser Treatments: Experience cutting-edge care with state-of-the-art dental laser technology, providing precise and comfortable treatments for various dental procedures.
- Sleep and Airway Dentistry: Addressing sleep-related breathing disorders with specialized airway dentistry services, improving your overall health and quality of life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t let a bothersome fibroma affect your comfort and confidence. Contact Central Park Dental in Mansfield, Texas, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jiyoung Jung. She will provide expert diagnosis and gentle, effective fibroma removal to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Call us today at 817-466-1200 or schedule your appointment!