About Leukoplakia
Key Highlights
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Definitive removal of potentially pre-cancerous oral lesions.Provides a tissue sample for accurate diagnosis (biopsy).Can be performed with minimally invasive techniques like lasers.Helps in the early detection and prevention of oral cancer.Procedure is typically quick and performed under local anesthesia.Aims to eliminate the source of chronic irritation to prevent recurrence./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of persistent white patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth that do not rub off.
- Lesions showing changes in size, texture, or color.
- Patches that are painful, ulcerated, or bleeding.
- High-risk patients (e.g., tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers).
- When a biopsy is needed to rule out dysplasia or oral squamous cell carcinoma.
- Lesions that do not resolve after removal of suspected irritants (e.g., quitting tobacco, adjusting dentures).
How to prepare
- Complete oral examination and possibly a photographic record of the lesion.
- Review of medical history, including medications and allergies.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (typically local).
- Pre-operative instructions may include fasting if sedation is planned.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications as advised by the surgeon.
- Arranging for transportation home if sedation is used.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, swelling, or infection at the surgical site.
- Temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation.
- Pain or discomfort during the recovery period.
- Scarring or changes in the contour of the oral tissue.
- Recurrence of the leukoplakia if the causative factor is not eliminated.
- Rare complications related to anesthesia.
- Biopsy results may indicate a need for further, more extensive treatment.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Apply gentle pressure with gauze to control any initial bleeding.
- Use prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics if provided.
- Eat soft, cool foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items for several days.
- Maintain oral hygiene gently; avoid rinsing vigorously for the first 24 hours.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and review biopsy results.
- Identify and eliminate the source of irritation (e.g., quit tobacco) to prevent recurrence.
- Report any signs of infection (increased pain, fever, pus) to your dentist immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 7-14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering leukoplakia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with dental surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform leukoplakia. MediFyr helps you compare dental surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for leukoplakia compare across other countries where we have data.
Vihaan Iyer, a 58-year-old accountant, noticed...
Vihaan Iyer, a 58-year-old accountant, noticed a persistent, painless white patch on the inside of his cheek six months ago. A lifelong non-smoker and occasional social drinker, he was initially unconcerned, attributing it to a cheek bite. However, the patch didn't fade. During a routine cleaning, his dentist, Dr. Mehta, grew concerned upon seeing the non-scrapable, slightly rough lesion, classic leukoplakia. Given Vihaan's age and the lesion's appearance, Dr. Mehta strongly recommended an excisional biopsy to remove the entire patch for definitive diagnosis and to eliminate any potentially pre-cancerous cells. The procedure, done under local anesthesia, was quick. Vihaan felt pressure but no pain. The biopsy report returned a week later, confirming it was benign hyperkeratosis with no dysplasia. Relieved but chastened, Vihaan committed to biannual dental check-ups. His emotional journey shifted from initial denial and mild anxiety to profound relief and a newfound vigilance about his oral health.
Dental surgeons for Leukoplakia
Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform leukoplakia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 15 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 23 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 7 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata