An oral fibroma is the most common benign growth of soft tissue that can develop inside the mouth. It is essentially a scar-like reaction that forms in response to long-standing irritation or trauma. These typically painless growths are non-infectious and do not spread, but they require attention because they will not resolve on their own. Understanding their characteristics and origins helps explain why they appear and how they are managed by dental professionals.
Defining the Oral Fibroma
The oral fibroma, often referred to as an irritation or traumatic fibroma, represents a localized overgrowth of the mouth’s connective tissue. This mass is composed of dense, fibrous tissue, primarily a buildup of collagen fibers, which gives it a firm and rubbery texture. The surface is usually smooth, presenting as a dome-shaped or nodular bump inside the mouth. Its color typically matches the surrounding oral mucosa, appearing pink, though it can sometimes be paler or whitish if repeatedly traumatized.
Characteristics and Location
Oral fibromas are generally slow-growing and asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause pain unless continually injured by chewing. Their size usually ranges from a few millimeters up to about two centimeters in diameter. The most frequent location for this type of growth is the buccal mucosa, which is the inside of the cheek, particularly along the bite line. Other common sites include the sides of the tongue, the inner lip, and the gums.
Why Oral Fibromas Develop
The formation of an oral fibroma is a defensive biological response to chronic, low-level trauma or constant irritation. The underlying mechanism involves the body’s repair process going into overdrive, leading to an excessive production of fibrous connective tissue. This proliferation of collagen forms a protective nodule at the site of repeated injury.
A frequent source of this chronic irritation is the unconscious habit of repeatedly biting the inside of the cheek or lip, which creates persistent micro-trauma. Other common causes include friction from ill-fitting dental appliances, such as dentures or retainers. Similarly, a sharp edge on a broken tooth, a chipped filling, or a rough crown can continuously abrade the adjacent cheek or tongue.
How Dentists Confirm the Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination, where a dentist visually inspects and manually assesses the growth. The professional notes the lesion’s size, its firm and non-mobile nature, and its location, which often points toward a traumatic origin. The patient’s history, including habits like cheek biting, further supports the initial clinical impression.
While the clinical appearance is highly suggestive, a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy to confirm the nature of the lesion and rule out other potential concerns. The biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This step is necessary because certain other oral growths, including potentially serious lesions, can visually mimic a benign fibroma. Microscopic examination confirms the diagnosis by revealing the dense collection of fibrous connective tissue, the hallmark of a fibroma.
Removal and Expected Outcome
The standard and most effective treatment for an oral fibroma is complete surgical excision. Since these growths do not regress naturally, removal is necessary, especially if the fibroma is large or interferes with chewing or speech. The procedure is typically straightforward and is performed in a dental office using a local anesthetic.
The removal can be accomplished using a traditional scalpel or a surgical laser. Laser excision offers the benefit of simultaneously cutting the tissue and sealing the blood vessels, which often results in less bleeding and may reduce the need for sutures. A crucial component of successful treatment is the identification and elimination of the underlying source of irritation. If the cause is not corrected, the fibroma may recur at the same site.