Oral Papilloma: What is it, and Why Do You Need Oral Papilloma Treatment?

Oral papilloma, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through oral sex or mouth-to-mouth contact with an infected person. If you have the symptoms of oral papilloma, then visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio, the finest preventative dentistry in Chandler.

Understanding Oral Papilloma

Oral papilloma, or HPV, is a subtype of human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection. There are different subtypes of HPV, and one of them is oral HPV, which affects your mouth, tongue, and throat. If left untreated, it can cause oropharyngeal cancer. However, it is rare.

The patients affected by oral HPV are adults who engage in oral sex. The risk of oral papilloma is higher if you have more than one sexual partner. If your partner is suffering from HPV, it is advised to get the problem diagnosed and treated first.

Is It Common?

Yes, the answer is that Oral HPV is very common. At this very point, millions of men and women in the United States are infected by the virus.

What Does HPV Look Like?

It is a painless problem. You might not even feel anything if you have HPV. Usually, if you get infected, the immune system will handle it and wipe it from your body. However, if you have a weak immune system, HPV shall make its presence felt in your mouth.

You can see white, painless, flat growth in your mouth. They can also appear on or beneath your tongue. They may be solitary or present in clusters.

Causes of Oral Papilloma

There are multiple causes of oral papilloma, which are discussed below:

  • Using Infected Utensils: Using the same utensils, such as a fork, plate, and knife, as an infected person causes the infection.
  • Unprotected Sexual Contact: People who engage in unprotected oral-genital contact and deep mouth-to-mouth contact with each other are at risk of getting an infection if one of the partners is infected. Having multiple sexual partners also increases the risk.
  • Weak Immunity: HPV infection isn’t always visible. It goes away on its own. However, if you have weak immunity, you are more likely to observe the symptoms.
  • Bad Habits: Your habits of smoking and drinking also increase the risk of oral papilloma.
Oral Papilloma Treatment

symptoms

Complications Associated with Oral Papilloma

Oral papilloma is not a severe oral problem, as it typically resolves on its own. However, it can cause cancer if not treated at an early stage. Some HPV types are malignant and can cause serious health issues. Oropharyngeal cancer is a complication that might arise due to the spread of HPV.

Watch out for symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer, such as:

  • Constant hoarseness
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Blood while coughing
  • An unusual lump in your cheek or neck
  • Sore throat
  • Patches on tonsils
  • Swelling and pain in jaws, etc.

If you experience these symptoms, you must consult Peace of Mind Dental Studio for a quick diagnosis.

While you're familiarizing yourself with this procedure, make sure you also visit our section on how we treat you during your care with a range of nice-to-have and need-to-have patient comforts.

 

Distraction Methods       –     Therapeutic interventions   –     Pain management 

Diagnosis of Dental Papilloma

Oral papilloma is not detected through specific tests. Still, if you see white or red flat lesions in your mouth, you are advised to book an appointment at Peace of Mind Dental Studio so we can examine these lesions and assess if they are malignant or not.

As discussed above, gingival papilloma can lead to cancer. A biopsy might be required so the right treatment course can commence.

Treatment of Oral Papilloma

Here are the treatment options for dental papilloma:

  • Observation: If the small lesions are painless, then it is advised to observe them until they go away on their own.
  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the papilloma with liquid nitrogen can be an effective method to remove the lesion. This method is used to remove abnormal tissue for many skin conditions.
  • Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is used to remove the papilloma effectively. It is a painless and simple procedure.
  • Surgical Removal: Surgical removal is recommended in case of cauliflower growth of papilloma, which affects your daily activities, such as chewing or speaking.

Contact us and book an appointment now for prompt treatment.

Prevention of Oral Papilloma

Here are some tips to prevent oral papilloma:

  • Get HPV vaccination to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Use effective measures such as dental dams during intimate activities to prevent HPV spread.

Why Peace of Mind Dental Studio?

While oral papillomas are generally benign, understanding their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial. Regular dental check-ups, safe oral practices, and early detection play pivotal roles in maintaining a healthy and vibrant smile. Remember, oral health is integral to your overall well-being, and addressing concerns promptly contributes to a confident and thriving lifestyle.

Thus, you need a healthcare professional who can offer the best guidance and treatment. Peace of Mind Dental Studio is the best preventative dentistry in Chandler, where we aim to provide the best in town dental treatments.

Book an appointment for any dental issues!

ORAL PAPILLOMA FAQS

answering your questions about oral papilloma…  

Is oral papilloma cancerous?
No. Oral papilloma is not cancerous generally. However, if you are seeing continual and frequent growth, then seeking treatment is advised, as it rarely develops into a malignant transformation.
Can oral papilloma recur after treatment?
If the person exposes himself to the virus again, the lesions may recur. Under the treatment, only the visible lesions are removed. It doesn’t affect the virus, which can cause recurrence.
Can I prevent oral papilloma?
By practicing safe sex, using condoms during oral-genital contact, and refraining from indulging in any harmful sexual activities, you can avoid oral papilloma.

Have more questions? Please call us at 480-608-5444 or email us and we’ll be able to talk you through the process.

Tips & advice from Dr. Silverman:

 

Do distractions in the dental chair cause you more unease?

It is absolutely okay to feel this way, just please let us know and we will make sure to limit our patient comforts that are particularly distracting.  Some patients do not prefer to wear noise canceling headphones or have the ceiling mounted TVs on during treatment or wear. We want you to be comfortable and are here to accommodate to your preferences.

For more advice, visit our faq page