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What is an Oral fibroma?

Writer: Lux Dental IncLux Dental Inc

Have you discovered a small, firm bump in your mouth that wasn’t there bfore? It could be an oral fibroma. 

Finding any growth in your mouth can be worrisome, but understanding what an oral fibroma is and knowing that it’s generally harmless can offer reassurance.

At Lux Dental in Vancouver, we frequently identify oral fibromas during your routine dental check-up and treat them using advanced techniques, ensuring our patients receive the most effective and comfortable care available. 

Let’s delve into everything you need to know about these common oral growths and how to manage them.


Comprehending Oral Fibroma: Essential Information

An oral fibroma, also known as a traumatic fibroma or irritation fibroma, is a smooth, firm, dome-shaped lump that develops in the mouth. These growths are generally 2-10 millimeters in diameter and feel like a small, rubbery bump when touched. 

While they can form anywhere in the mouth, they are most commonly located along the bite line of the inner cheek, where the upper and lower teeth meet.

Continuous irritation of the mouth tissue leads to the production of extra fibrous connective tissue, resulting in this rounded, protective growth. 

The color of an oral fibroma can vary from pink, matching the normal tissue in your mouth, to slightly whitish, especially if the surface has been frequently irritated.

Oral fibromas are characterized by their firm, fibrous texture—they do not feel soft or fluid-filled like some other mouth sores. Instead, they maintain a consistent shape and size unless continuously irritated. 

At Lux Dental, we often observe these growths on the inner cheeks, tongue, lips, or gums. They usually match the color of the surrounding tissue, although they might appear lighter or darker depending on the level of irritation.


Recognizing Symptoms of Oral Fibroma: Key Indicators


Most oral fibromas are small, under a centimeter, developing gradually with distinct characteristics.

Common symptoms include:

  • A smooth, firm bump matching the mouth’s color

  • Painless unless irritated

  • Round or oval shape with clear borders

  • Size of 2-10 millimeters

  • Consistent size, changing only with irritation

  • Single growth, not multiple lesions

  • No bleeding unless traumatized

  • Mild discomfort when eating or speaking

  • Rough sensation against teeth

  • Possible interference with dental appliances

A comprehensive examination can confirm an oral fibroma and guide treatment.


Understanding the Causes of Common Oral Fibroma: Identifying the Root Issue


Understanding the causes of oral fibromas is crucial for both treatment and prevention. The main factor is chronic irritation, which can arise from various sources. 

At Lux Dental, we often encounter cases caused by habitual cheek biting, ill-fitting dental appliances, or misaligned teeth.

These growths occur when your body’s healing response becomes overactive, producing excess fibrous tissue in reaction to ongoing irritation. It's like your body creating a natural barrier against repeated trauma.


Are Oral Fibromas Harmful? The Reality of These Growths

Here's the positive news: oral fibromas are non-cancerous and generally do not present significant health concerns. Nonetheless, The Lux Dental Team advises a professional assessment of any oral growth to guarantee accurate diagnosis and eliminate other possibilities.

Our skilled dental experts employ cutting-edge diagnostic methods to differentiate between benign fibromas and possibly more serious oral lesions, offering you reassurance and suitable treatment choices.


Treatment Choices for Oral Fibroma: Your Journey to Comfort

Traditional Surgical Removal 

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your full comfort. The steps include:

  • Carefully removing the fibroma with specialized surgical tools

  • Using small, dissolvable stitches if needed

  • Collecting tissue for lab analysis if advised

Recovery is simple, with most patients resuming normal activities the same day. You might feel mild soreness for 3-5 days, and our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.


Key Tips to Prevent Oral Fibroma Formation

Prevention aims to remove sources of chronic irritation. The Dental Team collaborates with you to identify possible triggers and create tailored prevention strategies. 

Our thorough approach includes:

  • Eliminating harmful habits such as cheek biting or lip chewing

  • Ensuring dentures and dental appliances have a proper fit

  • Correcting misaligned teeth that might cause repeated trauma

  • Smoothing sharp tooth edges that irritate soft tissues

  • Regular dental check-ups to detect potential issues early

By addressing these common sources of oral irritation, you can greatly lower your risk of developing oral fibromas. The experienced professionals at Lux Dental will assist you with these preventive steps during your regular visits.


Don't ignore worries about oral growths. Get in touch with Lux Dental to arrange a thorough evaluation! Our skilled professionals will give you a precise diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan to rejuvenate your oral health and confidence.

 
 
 

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Lux Dental

P 604-670-1256

F 604-200-1398

1631 Davie Street

Vancouver, BC

V6G 1W1

Open 7 Days
Mon - Sun
9am - 5pm

 

©2022 by Lux Dental

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