Our Location:
Dentist - Oak Park
1002 North Blvd.
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 383 - 9651
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- celebrity smiles (86)
- root canal (4)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- cosmetic dentistry (18)
- oral health (33)
- oral cancer (5)
- braces (12)
- dry mouth (2)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (9)
- gummy smile (2)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- root planing (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- dental implants (16)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- dental exam (1)
- fillings (1)
- pediatric dentistry (18)
- oral hygiene (26)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental health (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- dental anxiety (1)
- bridge (1)
- dental implant (7)
- pregnancy (3)
- tobacco (1)
- periodontal disease (3)
- gum disease (15)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- bonding (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- x-rays (3)
- CAT scans (1)
- snoring (2)
- teeth whitening (5)
- common symptoms (1)
- bad breath (2)
- extractions (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth erosion (2)
- crowns (5)
- partial dentures (1)
- tooth decay (9)
- chipped teeth (1)
- clear aligners (2)
- tooth grinding (1)
- bulimia (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (7)
- laser dentistry (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- fluoride (3)
- blood pressure (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- gum recession (3)
- veneers (2)
- thumb sucking (3)
- mouthguards (4)
- impacted teeth (1)
- metal allergies (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- x-ray (1)
- sealants (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- retainer (3)
- retainers (2)
- dental care (1)
- GERD (1)
- space maintainer (1)
- topical fluoride (2)
- fluroide (1)
- nutrition (3)
- crown (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- dentures (2)
- mouthguard (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- dry socket (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- wedding day smile (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- partial denture (1)
- facial pain (1)
Categories:
Somewhere between bites during a recent meal, the inside of your cheek found itself in the way of your teeth. You winced with pain at the resulting bite, and while it was sore for a day or two it seemed to heal over. Now, though, you’re noticing this same area of your cheek gets in the way of your teeth a lot more often, with more bites and sores.
What’s likely happened is that you have developed a traumatic fibroma. When the soft tissues of the inner cheek, lips or tongue heal after being injured, a small bit of fibrous tissue composed of the protein collagen forms like a callous over the bite wound to protect it after it heals. If, however, the process is interrupted by another bite, the fibrous tissue that subsequently forms may be thicker and thus more raised on the surface of the skin. This higher profile makes it more likely the site will be involved in repeated episodes of biting.
If the fibroma continues to be a problem, it can be solved with a simple surgical procedure. A surgically-trained dentist or oral surgeon will remove portions of the fibroma (usually with local anesthesia) to flatten the skin profile, and then close the resulting wound with a couple of stitches unless a laser was used. Any discomfort after the procedure can usually be managed with a mild anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin or ibuprofen, and the site should heal in just a few days to a week.
Although the vast majority of fibromas aren’t dangerous, it’s routine practice to have the excised tissue biopsied for abnormalities. More than likely the fibroma tissue will be normal; but by having the fibroma removed and examined, you’ll gain peace of mind about your oral health. In the process, you’ll also eliminate a bothersome and painful problem.
If you would like more information on mouth sores, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Common Lumps and Bumps in the Mouth.”