AboutHoward Finnk, D.D.S. Expertise I am a Family and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Society, Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Academy of General Dentistry, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.
Experience After having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. In addition, I am now a member of the Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and the Atlantic Coast District Dental Society. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center. Over my lifetime career, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.
Question I am a 26 year old male and have a purplish/blue discoloration of my bottom gums. The main area of this discoloration is on the bottom front/left area of my gums. It occurs predominantly near the gumline where my gums meet my bottom front teeth. This area covers under half an inch of gums, but has been visible for nearly a year. It is not raised, irritated, nor painful. I didn't think much of it until recently when another such (smaller) discolored area became noticible. Initially I thought the first purplish area might have been the result of using whitening strips, but this new area is near the area where I have dipped smokeless tobacco for the better part of 5 years. I should note when I first noticed the original discoloration, it was during a dip-free period which lasted 5 months. Everything I have read online thus far indicates that cancer would generally be red or white in color, and my areas definitely are not, but given my tobacco use I am very concerned. I have a dentist appointment one week from today. One other note, much of what I've read (again online) suggests that the purplish hue could mean it's vascular, but the original discolored area seems to me to have been there too long for this to be the case. Any ideas?
Answer Dear Daniel: I doubt that what you describe is significant. Most likely, what you see are either large, flat veins becoming visible through your gums, or hematomas, which usually form after some type of trauma. Good you are seeing your dentist, as I do not have the ability to see, touch or test your lesions from here. Please let me know what you find out. dd
