Laser Removal of Oral Lesions: A Guide for Patients
What Is Oral Lesion Removal?
The removal of oral lesions is a common dental procedure that involves eliminating abnormal growths or lumps from the oral tissues. Laser technology offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods, making the procedure more precise, less invasive, and faster healing.
What Are Oral Lesions?
Oral lesions can develop for various reasons, including:
- Benign Tumors: Such as fibromas, lipomas, and hemangiomas.
- Cysts: Including mucoceles and salivary gland cysts.
- Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Such as abscesses or granulomas.
- Precancerous Lesions: Such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia.
Laser Removal Procedure
Laser technology provides a more precise and minimally invasive approach to lesion removal.
- Anesthesia: The affected area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure. In many cases, laser removal can be performed without any anesthesia.
- Laser Application: The laser cuts and removes the lesion with high precision, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Hemostasis: The laser controls bleeding, making the procedure clean and comfortable.
- Healing: Laser treatment accelerates healing, reducing postoperative pain and inflammation.
Advantages of Laser Removal of Oral Lesions
Laser technology provides multiple benefits compared to traditional surgical techniques:
- High Precision: The laser ensures accurate lesion removal, reducing trauma to healthy tissues.
- Minimal Bleeding: The laser cauterizes blood vessels, leading to significantly less bleeding.
- Faster Healing: Laser treatment promotes faster tissue recovery with minimal discomfort.
- Reduced Pain: Most patients report less pain both during and after the procedure.
- Lower Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes the surgical site, reducing infection risks.
- Shorter Procedure Time: The treatment is quick and efficient.
- No Stitches Required: Unlike traditional methods, laser procedures do not require sutures.
Post-Treatment Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM)
After laser lesion removal, Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) can enhance the healing process. PBM is a non-invasive laser therapy that stimulates cellular activity, reduces pain, and accelerates healing. This treatment:
- Speeds Up Healing: Stimulates cell regeneration and tissue repair.
- Reduces Pain: Helps minimize post-surgical discomfort.
- Decreases Inflammation: Lowers swelling and irritation.
- Improves Blood Circulation: Enhances microcirculation, promoting faster tissue recovery.
Post-Treatment Care
After laser removal of an oral lesion and PBM therapy, follow these care instructions for optimal healing:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Stick to soft foods for the first few days.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid brushing directly on the treated area for a few days.
- Saltwater Rinses: Rinse gently with warm saltwater to aid healing.
- Follow Medication Instructions: Take any prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics as directed.
- Monitor for Complications: If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or swelling that does not subside, contact your dentist immediately.
Biopsy of Oral Lesions
Even if an oral lesion appears benign, all removed tissue is sent for biopsy. A biopsy is essential to confirm the nature of the lesion and rule out malignant or precancerous cells.
Laser removal of oral lesions is a modern, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that offers faster healing, less pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional methods. Adding Photobiomodulation Therapy further enhances recovery and comfort.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us via our website or phone. Our team is dedicated to providing top-quality care and answering all your questions.