Gums and Jaw July 7, 2023 by Gums and Jaw Gum Normal Anatomy - Mandibular torus Tori (plural) are normal bony growths from the jaw on the inner surface under the tongue. They are not usually painful and are often symmetric (same on both sides). These bony growths are firm to the touch, like bone. A torus (singular) may also exist on the palate (roof of the mouth). Gum Benign Change - Epulis The term epulis refers to a growth on the gingiva (gums). This is usually a benign (not cancerous) growth that is made of connective tissue. These usually do not hurt unless they are irritated by biting or brushing. Some of these cases may come from other causes, so if this spot grows or is irritating, it is best to have it evaluated. Gum Benign Change - Periapical abscess This is a collection of pus at the root of a tooth that is related to dental decay. This problem is usually painful and needs to be addressed, sometimes with antibiotics and often with tooth repair through a root canal or with a dental extraction (tooth removal). Gum Benign Change - Amalgam tattoo This picture shows an amalgam tattoo on the gums of the maxilla (upper jaw). Amalgam tattoos happen after dental work, particularly when fillings are performed, which are commonly made with amalgam. They are often gray or green and occur most commonly on the upper or lower gums or the cheeks. These usually present after dental work and may slowly enlarge over the first few months but generally do not grow over time. They should not cause any symptoms like pain or bleeding, and they generally do not have any thickness to them. No treatment is needed for these, but sometimes a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. In general, a new, symptomatic (painful), or growing dark spot in the mouth should be examined by a doctor or dentist. Gum Benign Change - Venus Lake This is a dark purple spot on the gums near the lower teeth. This spot is called a venous lake. These are most common in older people and are thought to be related to sun exposure. The most common site in the mouth is on the lower lip, which is most exposed to the sun of any place in the mouth. These are usually small (0.2-1.0cm, up to one-third inch), smooth in appearance, and will flatten when compressed (pushed on). These are most often treated for cosmetic reasons and may be surgically removed or treated with lasers. In general, a new, symptomatic (painful), or growing dark spot in the mouth should be examined by a doctor or dentist. Gum Benign Change - Papilloma This photo shows a wart-like appearing lesion, which may present on a stalk (like the trunk of a tree), with a grainy, white surface. Jaw Benign Tumor - Mandibular Ameloblastoma This is a tumor in the middle of the jaw that grows from the enamel of the teeth. It is usually benign (not cancerous) but is often treated more like a cancer with surgical removal and jaw reconstruction. This usually does not come with an ulcer of the lining of the mouth and may not show any pain. Instead, it expands gradually within the jaw. Jaw Benign Tumor - Mandibular Ameloblastoma This is a tumor in the right part of the jaw that grows from enamel of the teeth. It is usually benign (not cancerous) but is often treated more like a cancer with surgical removal and jaw reconstruction. This particular tumor has an ulcer in its center, although this is not common with these types of tumors. Instead, it expands gradually within the jaw. Jaw Benign Tumor - Mandibular giant cell tumor This is an uncommon benign (not cancerous) tumor in the right part of the jaw. This tumor may be confused with other tumor types and needs to be evaluated by a professional. These tumors are generally treated with surgery. Jaw Benign Tumor - Giant Cell R Mandible This is an uncommon benign (not cancerous) tumor in the right part of the jaw. This tumor may be confused with other tumor types and needs to be evaluated by a professional. These tumors are generally treated with surgery. Jaw Benign Tumor - Odntogenic Myxoma This is a tumor in the right part of the jaw that grows from the teeth. It is benign (not cancerous) but may form in multiple locations. Gum Pre-cancer - Gingival leukoplakia This white lesion on the gum margin, with uniform color, suggesting benign change, but a biopsy is required to make sure it isn’t precancer or cancer. Gum Pre-cancer - Gingival proliferative verrucous leukoplakia Grainy texture white lesion that requires a biopsy to make sure it isn’t precancer or cancer. These areas can also progress to cancer time, so they should be evaluated by a medical professional. Gum Pre-cancer - Gingival proliferative verrucous leukoplakia Grainy texture white lesion that requires a biopsy to make sure it isn’t precancer or cancer. These areas can also progress to cancer time, so they should be evaluated by a medical professional. Gum Cancer - Alveolar ridge squamous cell carcinoma This is a photo of a squamous cell cancer of the right upper gum, around a tooth. Gum Cancer - Anterior maxillary squamous cell carcinoma This is a small squamous cell cancer of the upper gums. Gum Cancer - Gingival squamous cell carcinoma This is a cancer of the lower gums. It may present as a white and or red patch or non-healing sore or as loose teeth. Gum Cancer - Maxillary mucoepidermoid carcinoma This is a picture of an aggressive salivary gland cancer of the roof of the mouth. These can present as a progressive lump, a sore, or when teeth become loose. Gum Cancer - Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma This is a squamous cell cancer of the lower gums. It presented as a non-healing sore on the gums, making it difficult to wear the lower denture. Gum Cancer - Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma This is a cancer of the right side of the mouth affecting the cheek and gums. Gum Cancer - Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma This is a cancer of the lower gum Gum Cancer - Gingival squmaous cell carcinoma This is a cancer of the lower gums. Gum Cancer - Gingival squmaous cell carcinoma This is a cancer of the left jaw with involvement of the inside of the cheek Jaw Cancer - Mandibular OS This is an aggressive cancer of the left jaw.
