A change in the color of soft tissues, an abnormal growth, or a sore that doesn't heal are all types of oral pathology and should be evaluated by an oral surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.
An oral pathology can be any abnormality or illness in the face, jaws, or salivary glands. They can present as a simple white or red lesion or as a more serious symptom, such as a cyst or abscess. Seeking treatment for any abnormal changes in your mouth is important so our team can rule out more serious conditions, such as oral cancer.
To learn more about the treatment experience for a pathology, you can hear from our patients.
There is a special type of skin inside the mouth called the mucosa. When it is healthy, it appears smooth and coral pink in color. When changes occur to the mucosa or other parts of the mouth, salivary glands, or jaws, it could signal a pathological process. Because oral pathologies range in severity and location, they can present at any time with varying symptoms.
Many oral pathologies are easily treated when they are diagnosed and addressed early. Getting into the habit of performing an oral self-examination once a month is a good idea so that you can spot any changes as soon as possible. Thankfully, many of them are benign, but if you notice any changes to your gums, tongue, the inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, or areas surrounding your mouth, prompt evaluation by an experienced oral surgeon is encouraged. While oral pathologies can be as simple as a canker sore, an oral surgeon will be able to rule out or diagnose a more serious condition.
Common examples of an oral pathology may include
When you come to Greater Connecticut Oral & Dental Implant Surgery for an oral health evaluation, Dr. Kurtz or Dr. Lee may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample of the affected area that is then sent off to a lab for further examination and diagnosis. The pathologist will then share their findings with their oral surgeon, who can then recommend the appropriate next steps for treatment. A biopsy can be performed right here in our office. Most of the time, only local anesthesia is necessary. However, your oral surgeon will discuss your individual treatment plan, including your options for anesthesia, during your first visit to our office.
While most oral pathologies are not serious, they can range in severity, location, and symptoms. An experienced oral surgeon should examine any irregularity you have noticed in your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws to rule out more serious conditions, such as oral cancer, and provide the best course of treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to contact our office:
It is important to note that pain is not always a symptom of a pathological process, including oral cancer. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have noticed any abnormality to your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws.
An experienced oral surgeon, like Dr. Kurtz or Dr. Lee at Greater Connecticut Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, identify and provide treatment for many oral pathologies. If you have noticed any abnormality or irregularity to the way your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws normally look or feel, please contact Greater Connecticut Oral & Dental Implant Surgery. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
