Leukoplakia is a dental issue that develops when you have oral irritations, are a chronic smoker, have been exposed to the sun, or are a victim of oral cancer. Leukoplakia appears as a white or gray patch, and it often develops on your tongue, gums, roof of your mouth, or inside of your cheeks.
To help you know more about leukoplakia in Albuquerque, New Mexico, our Ravago Dental team has provided you with the following information regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of leukoplakia:
Symptoms
The most important sign for leukoplakia is the presence of a white or gray patch inside your mouth. The patch would have developed slowly over weeks to months, and it would be thick and slightly raised. The patch might also have a hardened or rough texture. It’s usually painless, but it might be sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy foods.
Diagnosis
Typically, your dentist will diagnose the issue during your dental exam. If necessary, she will also perform a biopsy to rule out other causes, like oral cancer. During the biopsy, your dentist will remove a small piece of the patch and will examine it in a dental lab. A numbing agent will be used so you don’t feel any pain.
Treatment
The best treatment for this issue is to eliminate the source of the irritation. For example, if a rough tooth is causing the problem, your dentist will smooth out the tooth’s surface and eliminate the irritation.
For more information about this dental issue, please call our office at 505.292.6414 . We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Melissa Ravago, if you think you’ve fallen victim to leukoplakia. We are here to help you in any way we can!