Have you noticed a bump in your mouth that won’t go away? It might be an oral fibroma. Although they are generally harmless, they may cause irritation or discomfort. Luckily, there are ways to remove oral fibromas if they get too bothersome. Our dentists explain what causes oral fibromas and how we can remove them quickly and painlessly with laser surgery.
What Is an Oral Fibroma?
An oral fibroma is a small, benign growth that is painless and usually harmless. Doctors and dentists may refer to them by other names, like reactive hyperplasia, traumatic fibromas, oral polyps, and more.
The most common causes of oral fibromas include minor trauma (like biting your cheek) and irritation from dentures. Oral fibromas can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the cheeks, gums, and tongue. They are small, firm bumps ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters in size. They are typically smooth and pink in color, and may resemble scar tissue.
Do Oral Fibromas Need to be Removed?
Because oral fibromas are benign and not cancerous, removal is not always necessary. However removal may be recommended by your dentist if you have:
- Moderate to severe discomfort or irritation
- Difficulty eating or drinking because of the location of the mass
- Cosmetic concerns
- Any rapid growth or sudden changes that could be a sign of other problems, like oral cancer
Oral Fibroma Removal: Scalpel vs. Laser
Although it may be tempting to try a home remedy, the only true cure for oral fibromas is surgical removal. It’s a quick outpatient procedure with two options: manual or laser surgery.
- Surgical removal with a scalpel or scissors.
During this procedure, your dentist will numb the surrounding area by injecting a local anesthetic at the surgical site. Once the area is numb, they will cut out the fibroma, being careful not to damage the surrounding tissue, and close the wound with sutures.
We will provide you with post-operative instructions to help promote healing and reduce the chances of infection. These instructions may recommend using a salt water rinse, gentler oral hygiene measures, and eating only soft foods for 2 to 3 days following the procedure.
- Surgical removal with laser dentistry.
Laser removal is the preferred method for oral fibroma removal. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically painless, however, we might give you a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
Because the laser cauterizes the blood vessels as it goes, there is less bleeding and no need for sutures. The laser also sterilizes the area, so there is less risk of infection, and it allows for faster healing.
Whether you choose a manual or laser procedure, the affected tissue can be sent to a lab for analysis to make sure it is actually an oral fibroma and that nothing else is wrong.
What to Expect After the Procedure
With most laser procedures, you can resume your routine either the same day or within a few days. However, if a scalpel is used and you have sutures, it may take 2 or 3 days to resume your normal routine.
The healing process is usually complete in about 2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the removal. You may experience some mild pain or discomfort afterward, but you can usually relieve it with over-the-counter medications and an ice pack.
You will also want to do everything possible to avoid irritating the surgical site, like eating soft foods, brushing your teeth more carefully, or using a saltwater rinse to prevent infections. Make sure you follow the dentist’s post-op instructions and go to any followup appointments to make sure everything is healing correctly.
Oral Fibroma Removal in South Jordan, UT
Oral fibromas are generally harmless, but they can be a nuisance. If you want to get an oral fibroma removed, visit Copper Creek Dental for a quick and painless laser surgery. We can easily remove any benign growths that you find irritating or uncomfortable. And as long as you follow our postoperative instructions, your mouth should heal very quickly.
If you have a bump in your mouth and you’re wondering if it is an oral fibroma or something else, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04/16/2025) Photo by Arvind Philomin on Pexels