Oral pathology
About oral pathology
Our oral surgeons are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat oral pathologies. This includes types of cancers. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, which gives it a particularly high mortality rate. Because of this, it is crucial for you to contact a qualified dental health professional such as Dr. Beech or Dr. Reid if you suspect any abnormalities or pathology in your mouth.
The inside of your mouth should be smooth and coral pink in color. Sores, lumps, or discolorations in the mouth are a warning sign that something is wrong and should be evaluated by an oral healthcare specialist. Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid are highly trained in diagnosing and treating oral pathologies, and while the majority of oral pathologies are benign, it is very important to receive proper, expert care by oral surgeons you can trust. Request an appointment today if you are concerned about oral pathologies or have noticed abnormalities in the lining of your mouth.
Signs and symptoms of oral pathologies
The oral mucosa in your mouth consists of the soft tissue of most of the mouth, gums, inside of the cheeks, hard palate, and the tongue. Healthy mucosa is smooth and coral pink in color. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, an oral pathology may be present:
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Bleeding sores
- Sores that will not heal
- Persistent swelling
- Suspicious lumps, sores, or irregularities
- Discoloration inside the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic earache
- Facial or oral pain without an evident cause
It is recommended to perform self-exams of your oral structures monthly to make sure you are familiar with how your mouth normally looks and feels to make it easier to detect any changes or abnormalities. If you do find any of the previously listed signs or are concerned about a change in your mouth structure, seek an evaluation as soon as possible.
Biopsy procedure
For the biopsy procedure, the doctor will remove a sample of tissue to be further analyzed and tested by a laboratory pathologist, who will provide a diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss further treatment options after receiving the diagnosis of your biopsy sample.
If you have noticed an abnormality in your mouth or are experiencing any of the previously listed signs and symptoms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. This way, Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid can work closely with you to perform a pathology screening and create a personalized treatment plan. The team at Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery looks forward to taking care of you because your oral health and overall health are what matters most.