What comes to your mind when you hear the word lesion? Probably tissue damage in vital organs such as the brain or liver… Because you’re familiar with these organs either from people around you or from the TV shows you watch. But what would you think if we told you that lesions can also form in your teeth?
Dental lesions are a condition that few people can easily believe in or even consider when asked. Contrary to how little known it is, dentists diagnose one in every ten patients with a dental lesion.
This disease, which perfectly mimics the symptoms of a dental infection, can cause discomfort in many areas of your life—from your self-confidence to your nutrition. Therefore, understanding how it forms and recognizing its symptoms closely is very important.
In this article, we’ll explore what a dental lesion is, how it forms, and the warning signs it presents. If you're ready, let’s begin!
What Is a Dental Lesion?
A dental lesion refers to damage in the tissues surrounding the tooth due to trauma or inflammation. It is generally characterized by pain and disruptions in chewing and eating. Since it can appear in multiple forms, a comprehensive dental examination is required to determine the exact cause.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dental Lesion?
A dental lesion doesn’t appear with unique, specific symptoms. Instead, it typically progresses by mimicking the symptoms of a dental infection, making it easy to overlook. However, there are some signs that a dentist is unlikely to miss:
- Severe tooth pain: One of the main symptoms of a lesion is toothache. However, this doesn’t occur in every patient. Some report intense pain, while others feel no pain at all.
- Noticeable pressure in the tooth or gums: This often appears in patients without pain. The patient may describe it as a throbbing pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold: Sensitivity may develop not only in the affected tooth but throughout the surrounding area.
- Aching in the affected tooth: In addition to general discomfort, the affected tooth may be especially sensitive.
- Swollen gums: Some patients may have visibly swollen gums, while in others, swelling is only detectable through a clinical exam.
How Does a Dental Lesion Form?
Like other organs, dental lesions form due to functional deterioration, damage, or inflammation.
However, unlike other lesions, the exact cause of dental lesions has not yet been fully confirmed. Still, it is widely believed that dental infection, trauma, or a blow to the face are the main contributors.
Several stages must occur for a lesion to form. When a tooth begins to decay and is left untreated, the process becomes aggressive.
It first attacks the enamel layer, then moves on to the dentin layer, and if still not treated, reaches the pulp layer. As these stages progress, gum bleeding and tooth inflammation occur.
If ignored and not stopped with treatment, the inflammation puts pressure on the nerves. When the nerves can no longer withstand the pressure, they become defenseless. These combined stages ultimately result in a dental lesion.
How Are Dental Lesions Treated?
Not all dental lesions are dangerous. Lesions that don’t pose a risk can be treated with medication. However, lesions that cause tooth decay and damage nerves cannot be treated with medication alone. In such cases, surgical intervention is often recommended.
With a minor operation performed by a specialist, the lesion can be removed from the area. After the procedure, the patient can quickly return to daily life.
Should a Tooth with a Lesion Be Extracted?
Many patients wonder whether a tooth with a lesion should be extracted. Extraction is one of the last options dentists consider. The primary goal is always to save the affected tooth. If this is not possible, extraction may be performed.
Tooth extraction is not based on the patient’s request. It is only done if the dentist finds it necessary after careful examination. By trusting your dentist’s knowledge and recommendations, you can get through the process with ease.
