What Is Oral Fibromatosis?

Oral Fibromatosis Causes, Symptoms and Care 

A firm, pinkish bump on the inside of your cheek or along the edge of your tongue can be unsettling. While friends may dismiss it as “just a callus,” dentists recognise the growth as oral fibromatosis: a benign over‑growth of connective tissue that forms after repeated irritation. If you’ve been searching online for a dentist in Red Deer or typing dental clinic Red Deer into Google, chances are you want quick, credible answers and an appointment you can trust. Left alone it seldom turns cancerous, yet it can catch between teeth, swell after a spicy meal or undermine your confidence every time you speak. At Clearview Market Dental we remove these lesions in a single, comfortable visit and show you how to stop new ones from forming. 

Why do fibromas appear? 

The mouth is a high‑traffic zone. Accidental cheek‑biting, a rough edge on a crown, ill‑fitting dentures or orthodontic appliances can all traumatise the same patch of tissue day after day. Your body responds by laying down extra collagen to “patch” the area, much like a callus on your hand. Over time that patch forms a small dome‑shaped nodule no bigger than a lentil. Because the tissue is scar‑like it feels firmer than the surrounding mucosa. 

Many patients blame the arrival of a dental filling. In reality it is the texture of the restoration that matters. A smooth, well‑polished tooth‑coloured filling glides past soft tissue, whereas a rough or fractured surface rubs and re‑injures the spot, feeding the fibroma cycle. 

When should you see a dentist near me? 

• The lump has persisted longer than two weeks.

• Its surface has changed colour or ulcerated.

• It bleeds when you bite or brush.

• It interferes with speech, swallowing or denture fit. 

During an examination we rule out other growths such as mucoceles or papillomas and perform an oral‑cancer screening. If the lesion meets removal criteria we schedule a simple excision—often finished in under twenty minutes. 

Treatment and prevention at Clearview Market Dental 

We numb the site locally, then excise the fibroma with a scalpel or diode laser. Sutures dissolve within a week and most patients need only mild analgesics. Histological analysis confirms the benign diagnosis so you leave with peace of mind. 

To prevent recurrence we correct the underlying irritant. That may mean polishing a filling, adjusting denture borders or designing a slim custom orthodontic appliance that retrains your bite pattern . Athletes who grind or bite cheeks during sport benefit from a lightweight athletic mouthguard that shields soft tissue without hampering performance . 

Life after removal 

Most sites heal fully within ten to fourteen days. Resume brushing gently after 24 hours and use a salt‑water rinse to keep the area clean. We review healing at your follow‑up hygiene visit and document the area with intra‑oral photos so we can compare against future check‑ups. 

In rare cases genetic conditions such as familial gingival fibromatosis can cause multiple recurrent lesions. If we suspect a systemic cause we coordinate biopsy results with an oral pathologist and your family physician for comprehensive care. 

Clearview Market Dental provides complete family dentistry services and proudly serves Red Deer, Timberstone and Central Alberta families. As a leading dentist in Red Deer AB clinic, we combine trusted experience with gentle, modern techniques. If you have a bump that will not quit, book a same‑week evaluation and reclaim a smooth, comfortable smile. 

Request an appointment today and let us handle the details from diagnosis to after‑care.