Oral Pathology

Committed to Preserving Your Oral Health

Vigilant attention and maintenance of oral health is essential to preventing the progression of oral health problems. Oral pathology can help identify and manage any oral health changes or issues in pathology that may arise. Regular check-ups can help identify and treat any issues immediately, allowing for higher rates of treatment success.

At Somerset Oral Surgery, your oral well-being is our top priority. Our team is dedicated to identifying and addressing any signs of oral cancer or disease. Whether it involves providing treatments or detecting potential issues, we strive for positive clinical outcomes. Schedule an appointment with our surgeons to ensure your oral health is in good hands.

Signs of Oral Cancer and Disease

Dental issues may not always present themselves with obvious pain or discomfort, emphasizing the importance of self-checks and regular dental visits. We encourage conducting a monthly self-examination at home to monitor any changes or abnormalities in your oral health.

Start by standing in front of a mirror and open your mouth wide. Look for any persistent sores, unusual discoloration, or thickening of the mouth lining. Pay attention to any difficulties with chewing or swallowing. If you detect any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon promptly to rule out potential cancerous conditions.

Certain indicators linked to pathological conditions include:

• Alterations in your bite or teeth becoming loose.
• Numbness or discomfort around the mouth or lips.
• Continual hoarseness or throat soreness.
• Difficulty in speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Persistent sores that resist healing after two (2) weeks.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Gums that bleed or swell.

Should any of these signs arise and persist, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss these symptoms with an oral surgeon.

Oral Pathology Treatment

Treatment approaches for oral pathologies vary depending on the specific condition. To determine the most suitable course of action, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, potentially including 3D scans for precise diagnosis. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. If so, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to ensure a painless procedure.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, a small tissue sample will be extracted from the area of concern. This sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. Upon completion, the pathologist will generate a pathology report, which our doctors will discuss with you. Benign growths or infections can often be managed with topical creams, oral medications, or removal procedures. Viral and fungal conditions such as candidiasis (thrush) or herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) can also be treated with specific interventions.

However, if the pathology report indicates a more serious condition such as oral cancer, a comprehensive treatment plan may be necessary. This could involve chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed guidance on the available options and their implications for your care.

Preventing Oral Cancer

While there's no guaranteed method to prevent oral cancer, there are precautions that can lower the risk of developing oral cancer.

• Maintain regular dental examinations
• Steer clear of tobacco products
• Shield your lips from excessive sun exposure
• Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels