Oral and jaw lesions encompass a variety of conditions that can affect the mouth's soft tissues and jawbones. For residents of Reno, Nevada, understanding these lesions is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Common Types of Oral Lesions

1. Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores): These small, painful sores appear on the gums, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. They can result from minor injuries, hormonal changes, or stress. While most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve within 10 to 14 days, persistent ulcers that don't heal may be a sign of a more serious condition.
2. Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): A fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, presenting as creamy white or velvety lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, and throat. Symptoms include soreness, discomfort, a burning sensation, and potential loss of taste.
3. Jaw Tumors and Cysts: These growths develop in the jawbone or soft tissues in the mouth and face. While often noncancerous, they can be aggressive, expanding and displacing or destroying surrounding bone, tissue, and teeth.
4. Oral Cancer: This serious condition can manifest as sores, lumps, or rough areas in the mouth. Early detection is vital, as symptoms like persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, and unexplained bleeding can indicate malignancy.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to various oral lesions.
• Trauma: Accidental bites, sharp edges from broken teeth, or ill-fitting dentures can cause lesions.
• Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Both are significant risk factors for oral cancer and other lesions.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral care can lead to infections and lesions.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Persistent sores or ulcers that don't heal within two weeks.
• Lumps or thickening in the cheek area.
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or mouth lining.
• Soreness or pain in the mouth that persists.
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. If you notice any persistent lesions or unusual changes in your mouth, it's essential to consult with a specialist. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Daniel Muff offers comprehensive evaluations for oral and jaw lesions. Treatment options vary based on the lesion type and may include:

• Medications: For infections like oral thrush, antifungal treatments are prescribed.
• Surgical Intervention: Jaw tumors and cysts often require surgical removal to prevent further complications.
• Biopsy: Suspicious lesions may be biopsied to rule out malignancy.

Preventive Measures

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can prevent many lesions.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits allow for early detection of potential issues.
• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Reducing these can significantly lower the risk of oral lesions.

Conclusion
Oral and jaw lesions can range from minor nuisances to serious health concerns. For residents in Reno, staying informed and vigilant about oral health is essential. If you encounter any persistent or unusual changes in your mouth, don't hesitate to seek professional evaluation.

​At Reno Oral Surgery, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to ensure your oral health and well-being.

For consultations or more information, contact Reno Oral Surgery at (775) 825-7779 or visit our office at 790 Willow Street, Reno, NV 89502.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Simply put, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental surgeon. They specialize in treating conditions, defects, injuries and esthetic issues of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Their education and training gives them the unique understanding and deft expertise to assist patients with chronic problems, pain or sudden trauma. At Reno Oral Surgery, you can count on Dr. Daniel Muff and his team to deliver a high level of expertise, professionalism and service.

Reno Oral Surgery

Not every dental procedure requires surgery, but when you need the specialized care of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you want the best. Dr. Daniel Muff and his staff are dedicated to delivering you the best possible care, whatever procedure you need. Dr. Muff offers a variety of services, beginning with a one-on-one consultation to assess your needs. Some of the services provided by Reno Oral Surgery include:

• Wisdom Tooth Extraction
• TMJ Treatment
• Anesthesia
• Oral Lesions
• Dental Implants
• Denture Preparation
• Face, Jaw or Dental Reconstruction
• Jaw Alignment

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have other questions about Reno Oral Surgery or services provided by Dr. Daniel Muff.

For more information about oral and maxillofacial surgeons, visit The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website.

Oral lesions or mouth ulcers that can arise from infection or inflammation are often easily treated with medication or time. However, oral lesions can also be a precursor or indicator of cancer. Often these pre-cancerous lesions will need to be biopsied, extracted or treated with lasers. Oral and jaw lesions can also lead to further infections. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) recommend mothly examinations:

When performing an oral cancer self-examination, look for the following:

• white patches of the oral tissues — leukoplakia (figure a)
• red patches — erythroplakia
• red and white patches — erythroleukoplakia (figure b)
• a sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• an abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth (figures c and d)
• chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• a mass or lump in the neck (figure e)

See your oral and maxillofacial surgeon if you have any of these signs. If the oral and maxillofacial surgeon agrees that something looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended.



If you see any of these signs or are worried about oral lesions, don't hesitate to contact Reno Oral Surgery for a consultation.