Soft Tissue Exam
Soft Tissue Examination
A large portion of the mouth is made up of delicate soft tissue. This includes the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, throat, and hard and soft palate. Because the tissue is soft and sensitive, it’s susceptible to injury, lesions and other conditions. That’s why it’s just as important to care for these areas as it is your teeth. Your dentist will routinely look for any issues during a regular dental exam, but if you have any concerns, be sure to schedule an appointment at Red Bank Smiles right away.
Soft Tissue Conditions
If there’s an issue with the soft tissue in your mouth, it can be painful or difficult to eat, speak and brush your teeth. Luckily, minor injuries, like biting down too hard on your cheek, and minor conditions, like canker sores, typically resolve on their own. However, if the problem doesn’t go away or seems to be getting worse, see your dentist. The team at Red Bank Smiles can help alleviate discomfort and recommend treatment options that may be able to help.
Some examples of soft tissue problems include:
- Injury/trauma
- Lumps
- Canker sores
- Cracked mouth corners
- Mouth rash
- Lesions
- Swelling
- Cysts
- And more…
Some soft tissue lesions, especially recurrent lesions, can be indicative of an underlying condition, such as Behcet’s Disease, certain autoimmune disorders, oral cancer or periodontal disease. No matter the cause, we encourage you to come in for a soft tissue exam so you can get the relief you deserve.
What to Expect During the Exam
During your oral exam, Dr. Benjamin Klayman and his team will talk to you about your symptoms. You might be asked questions like:
- When did your symptoms first appear?
- What is your pain level?
- Have you noticed anything else unusual?
- What seems to make it better?
- What seems to make it worse?
Dr. Klayman will then examine the soft tissue for any signs of inflammation, discoloration, swelling or changes in texture. Depending on the diagnosis, he may offer treatment at the office or refer you to a specialist.
Book Your Appointment
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your cheeks, lips, tongue or other soft tissue in the mouth, contact Red Bank Smiles. You can make your appointment by calling 732-741-1052 or using our convenient online scheduler.
