Have you noticed a small bump or growth in your mouth that wasn’t there before? Maybe you felt it with your tongue one day. Maybe you saw it in the mirror while brushing. It’s natural to feel concerned when something new appears in your mouth, but most oral growths are benign, and laser dentistry makes removal simpler and more comfortable than ever.
At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Anton and Dr. Angela Anton use the advanced Fotona laser to safely and precisely remove oral growths like fibromas and hemangiomas. We proudly serve patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Creekside Park, Sterling Ridge, and all of Montgomery and Harris Counties.
Call us at 346-560-5916 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.
What Is a Fibroma?
A fibroma is a benign growth made up of fibrous connective tissue. It’s one of the most common benign soft-tissue growths in the mouth. The good news is that fibromas aren’t cancerous, and they don’t spread to other parts of your body. However, they can grow larger over time if left untreated, and they may cause discomfort or interfere with everyday activities like eating, speaking, or brushing your teeth.
What Causes a Fibroma?
Most oral fibromas develop as a response to chronic irritation or trauma. Common triggers include:
- Biting your cheek or lip repeatedly: This is one of the most frequent causes. That repeated trauma causes the tissue to thicken and form a fibroma.
- Rubbing against a sharp tooth or filling: A rough edge on a tooth or dental restoration can irritate the soft tissue and lead to a fibroma.
- Ill-fitting dentures or appliances: Constant friction from a denture or retainer can cause a fibroma to form.
- Lip biting habits: If you tend to bite your lip when you’re nervous or concentrating, you may be more prone to developing a fibroma.
What Does a Fibroma Look Like?
A fibroma usually appears as a small, firm, smooth bump. It’s typically the same color as the surrounding tissue, or slightly lighter or darker. Fibromas are usually painless, but they can become sore if they’re constantly irritated. They’re most commonly found on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums.
What Is a Hemangioma?
A hemangioma is a benign growth made up of blood vessels. It’s sometimes called a “strawberry mark” when it appears on the skin, and it can also occur inside the mouth. Like fibromas, hemangiomas aren’t cancerous. They’re actually quite common, especially in infants and young children.
What Causes a Hemangioma?
Hemangiomas form when blood vessels cluster together abnormally. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe genetic factors and developmental changes play a role. Some hemangiomas are present at birth, while others develop later in life.
What Does a Hemangioma Look Like?
An oral hemangioma typically appears as a red, blue, or purple bump. It may be flat or raised, and it can vary in size. Because it’s made up of blood vessels, a hemangioma may bleed easily if it’s injured. They’re most commonly found on the lips, tongue, and inside the cheeks.
Are These Growths Dangerous?
Fibromas and hemangiomas are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Here’s why:
- They can grow larger over time. A small fibroma or hemangioma can grow larger and become more noticeable if left untreated.
- They can become uncomfortable. Larger growths can interfere with eating, speaking, or swallowing.
- They can bleed. Hemangiomas, in particular, can bleed if they’re injured by biting or brushing.
- They can become irritated. Constant friction from teeth or dental appliances can make them sore.
- They can be cosmetically concerning. Many patients feel self-conscious about visible mouth growths.
- They should be evaluated. While most oral growths are benign, a dentist should examine any new growth to rule out other conditions.
At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend having any new or changing growth in your mouth evaluated promptly. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s always better to know for sure.
How Laser Dentistry Removes Oral Growths
Traditionally, removing oral growths involved a scalpel and sutures. That meant more bleeding, more discomfort, and a longer recovery. Today, we use the Fotona laser to remove fibromas and hemangiomas with far greater precision and comfort.
How the Fotona Laser Works
The Fotona laser delivers focused light energy that removes soft tissue with extraordinary accuracy. As it works, it seals blood vessels, so bleeding is minimal and stitches aren’t needed. It also sterilizes the area as it goes, which lowers infection risk and supports faster healing.
The benefits of laser removal include:
- Minimal Bleeding: The laser cauterizes as it cuts, so bleeding is minimal during and after the procedure.
- No Sutures: Because the laser seals tissue as it works, no stitches need to be placed or removed.
- Less Discomfort: Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. Many need only a local anesthetic, and some need none at all.
- Faster Healing: With less trauma to the surrounding tissue, healing is quicker and more comfortable.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes as it works, creating a cleaner treatment environment.
- Precision: The laser targets only the growth, preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
- Immediate Results: The growth is removed in a single visit, and you’ll see the results right away.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day.
What to Expect During Your Laser Removal Procedure
We know that any procedure in the mouth can feel a little intimidating. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens at our office.
Step 1: Your Consultation
Your first visit starts with a conversation. We’ll ask when you first noticed the growth, whether it’s changed over time, and whether it causes any discomfort. Dr. Chris or Dr. Angela will examine the growth and may take a small biopsy sample if needed. Most of the time, we can determine the type of growth during the exam.
Step 2: Planning Your Treatment
Once we’ve confirmed the diagnosis, we’ll explain your options and recommend the best approach. In most cases, laser removal is a simple, quick procedure that can be done in a single visit.
Step 3: The Procedure
On the day of your procedure, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable. We’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then Dr. Chris or Dr. Angela will use the Fotona laser to gently remove the growth. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes, depending on the size and location of the growth.
Step 4: Your Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll receive simple aftercare instructions. You may experience mild tenderness for a day or two, but you can typically manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit if needed to check on your healing.
Why Choose Creekside Park for Laser Dentistry?
There are plenty of dentists in The Woodlands area. Here’s why patients choose us for laser procedures.
- A Husband-and-Wife Team: Dr. Christopher Anton and Dr. Angela Anton work together every day. They collaborate on complex cases, bring different perspectives, and genuinely enjoy caring for their patients. When you come to our office, you get the benefit of two experienced dentists in The Woodlands who care about your results.
- Leaders in Their Field: Both Dr. Chris and Dr. Angela are Board Directors and Key Opinion Leaders for the American Academy of Clear Aligners. They’ve earned Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction that requires hundreds of hours of continuing education beyond dental school. They don’t just keep up with advances in dentistry. They help teach other dentists!
- Advanced Technology: Our office is equipped with the Fotona laser, a dual-wavelength system that’s considered the gold standard in laser dentistry. It allows us to perform procedures that would be more difficult, more invasive, and more uncomfortable with traditional tools.
- A Patient-Centered Approach: We listen first. We explain your options clearly. We never pressure you into treatment you don’t need. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your care.
- A Convenient Location: Our office is located in The Woodlands, and we proudly serve families from Spring, Tomball, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Creekside Park, Sterling Ridge, Indian Springs, Augusta Pines, Auburn Lakes, Northampton, Wimbledon Falls, and Creekwood Acres.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed a new growth in your mouth, don’t ignore it. While most oral growths are benign, prompt evaluation and treatment can give you peace of mind and prevent future discomfort.
At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Anton and Dr. Angela Anton are ready to help. We’ll evaluate the growth, explain your options, and provide gentle, effective treatment using the advanced Fotona laser. Because we’re a husband-and-wife team who genuinely love what we do, you’ll feel welcomed and cared for from the moment you walk through our doors.
We proudly serve patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Creekside Park, Sterling Ridge, Indian Springs, Augusta Pines, Auburn Lakes, Northampton, Wimbledon Falls, and Creekwood Acres.
Call us at 346-560-5916 or request an appointment online today. Let us help you take care of your oral health with confidence.
