From the Research
The medical treatment for a fibroma in the oral mucosa typically involves complete surgical excision of the lesion, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting the use of a diode laser or scalpel for removal 1. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, where the entire fibroma is removed using a scalpel, laser, or electrosurgery. For small fibromas (less than 1 cm), a simple excisional biopsy is sufficient, while larger lesions may require more extensive removal. Following excision, the tissue should be sent for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other pathologies. Some key points to consider in the treatment of oral fibromas include:
- The use of a diode laser for excision, as seen in a case report from 2023, which demonstrated excellent tissue response and minimal patient postoperative discomfort 1
- The importance of identifying and addressing the source of irritation to prevent recurrence, as discussed in a study from 2020 2
- The need for a multidisciplinary approach in dentistry, as highlighted in a case report from 2024 3 Post-operative care includes:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Using chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12%, twice daily for 7 days) to prevent infection
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (500-1000 mg every 6 hours as needed) or ibuprofen (400-600 mg every 6-8 hours with food) for discomfort Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks without complications. Surgical removal is necessary because fibromas are benign fibrous overgrowths that don't resolve spontaneously, and they're typically caused by chronic irritation or trauma to the oral mucosa. Recurrence is uncommon if the source of irritation (such as ill-fitting dentures, sharp tooth edges, or habitual cheek biting) is identified and addressed, as noted in a study from 2013 4 and a case report from 2008 5.