Benign

In the context of dental health, the term "benign" refers to a condition or growth that is not cancerous or harmful. These benign conditions are often non-threatening and may not require extensive treatment, but it is still important for individuals to be aware of them and seek professional evaluation from a dentist.

One common type of benign dental condition is an oral lesion. These are localized areas of abnormal tissue within the mouth, which can manifest in various forms. Some examples of benign oral lesions include:

• Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that typically appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They are not contagious and are often caused by factors like stress, hormonal changes, or minor injuries to the mouth. Canker sores typically heal on their own within 7-10 days.
• Fordyce Spots: Fordyce spots are small, raised, pale-colored spots that may appear on the lips, inner cheeks, or other areas of the mouth. They are essentially enlarged sebaceous (oil-producing) glands and are completely harmless, although they may be considered cosmetically undesirable by some individuals.
• Fibroma: A fibroma is a small, noncancerous growth that can develop on the gums or inside the cheek. It is composed of fibrous connective tissue and often appears as a smooth, painless, and sessile (broad-based) protrusion. Fibromas are generally not a cause for concern and can be left alone or removed if they become bothersome.
• Mucocele: A mucocele is a fluid-filled swelling that occurs when a salivary gland duct becomes blocked, causing the gland to swell with saliva. Mucoceles are common on the lower lip, tongue, or inner cheek and are typically painless, soft, and fluctuant (able to be compressed). They often rupture and then reform, but they are not considered harmful.

In addition to oral lesions, there are other benign dental conditions that can occur, such as:

• Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the jawbone or surrounding tissues. While some cysts are associated with the development of teeth, such as the common "wisdom tooth cyst," most cysts are benign and do not require immediate treatment unless they cause discomfort or interfere with normal dental function.
• Papillomas: Papillomas are small, wart-like growths that can develop on the lips, tongue, or other areas of the mouth. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are generally harmless, although they may be removed if they become irritated or unsightly.
• Tori: Tori are bony protrusions that can develop on the upper or lower jaw, often near the back teeth. They are benign growths that are simply variations in the normal anatomy of the jaw and do not require treatment unless they interfere with dentures or cause discomfort.
• Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by the presence of white, thickened patches or plaques on the soft tissues inside the mouth. While most cases of leukoplakia are benign, some types may have a higher risk of progressing to oral cancer, so regular dental check-ups and monitoring are recommended.
  It is important to note that while these benign dental conditions are generally not life-threatening, they should still be evaluated by a dentist to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate management. Some conditions, such as leukoplakia, may require ongoing monitoring or treatment to prevent potential complications. Regular dental check-ups and prompt attention to any unusual or persistent oral changes are crucial for maintaining overall oral health and well-being.

D7410

Dental Code D7410: Excision of benign lesion up to 1.25 cm

D7411

Dental Code D7411: “Excision of benign lesion greater than 1.25 cm”.

D7412

Dental Code D7412: Excision of benign lesion, complicated