Oral Pathology If you have any tissue changes in your mouth, schedule an appointment with one of our oral pathologists at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda. We can take a look at it, give you a diagnosis, and let you know what (if any) treatment it requires.Oral pathology is a special branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of diseases in the mouth, jaw, and salivary glands. Changes in the mouth may include lumps, pain, tenderness, discoloration, sores, or rough patches. While these may be worrying, the likelihood is that they will be non-cancerous and easily treated. What Does an Oral Pathologist Do?If you have an appointment with our oral pathologist, we will want to perform a full evaluation. It is important to determine the cause of any changes in your mouth so your mind can be put at ease if the changes are not serious, or so that the appropriate treatment can be commenced at the earliest opportunity if needed. The oral pathologist will carry out a full examination of your mouth, neck, and head. We will ask about your medical history, including any medications you are taking. In some circumstances, you may need to have a biopsy which will be sent to a laboratory for a microscopic examination. What Diseases Are Diagnosed by an Oral Pathologist?Cancers and TumorsAlthough cancers and tumors in the oral cavity are rare, it is crucial they are diagnosed early. Thus, if you do have any changes in your mouth, it is always best to err on the side of caution and have it examined by a dental professional. This is especially true if you are in a high risk group; for example, if you smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, or have a history of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancers are very effective if the disease is diagnosed early. Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Benign ConditionsBenign lesions are the most common conditions found in the oral cavity. These may include a spectrum of diseases that may require treatment with gels, ointments, and pills, or conditions that will go away on their own without any medical intervention. Some common oral lesions include canker sores, which form at the base of the gums. Although the cause of them is unknown, they have been associated with stress, allergies, and injury. They do not usually require treatment, typically healing within two weeks. Oral Problems Associated With MedicationSometimes, prescription medications may contribute to some oral conditions, which is why the oral pathologist will want to know exactly what medications or health supplements you are taking. For example, blood pressure tablets and oral contraceptives may be responsible for causing inflammation in the gums. In turn, this may contribute to gum disease so taking extra care during your cleaning and flossing routine is advisable. Similarly, dry mouth is a side-effect of many medications, including antihistamines. As saliva is key to keeping the mouth free of bacteria it is important to take extra steps to keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. Schedule an oral pathology appointment with us at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda if you have any concerns about changes in your mouth. Call us at (737) 335-0017 to find out more. |
