It is always a good idea to know how your mouth normally looks and feels so that any changes can be addressed right away. When the lining of the mouth (called the mucosa) is healthy, it is smooth and coral pink in color. While most changes are not serious, early examination by a trained professional is best. Dr. Brown at Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery can assess these abnormalities and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a term used to identify a disease or infection of the mouth or jaws.
Call our office if you notice any irregularity of the oral or maxillofacial region, including the tongue, tonsils, salivary glands, cheeks, lips, palate, and gums. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
Common examples of oral pathology include
- Chronic ulcers
- Herpes (cold sores)
- Canker sores
- Salivary gland diseases
- Oral cysts and tumors
- Infections
- Oral cancers
Your oral surgeon will examine the area of concern and may perform a biopsy. In general, a biopsy is a quick sample of the lesion that is sent off to a pathologist for diagnosis. Local anesthesia is usually all that is needed for a biopsy procedure. Your oral surgeon will determine the next course of treatment based on the pathologist’s findings.
Signs of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases
Any changes inside the mouth should be evaluated as soon as possible. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call our office right away:
- Sores that bleed or fail to heal
- Swelling that doesn’t go down or recurs
- Red or white patches on gums, tongue, or cheeks
- Lumps in the mouth or on the neck
- Change in color, texture, or shape of the mucosa
It is important to note that pain may or may not accompany these symptoms.
Oral Pathology at Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery
Any change to the mouth can indicate a pathological process. While most changes are not serious, early identification and treatment are best. Please contact our office right away if you notice any changes to the oral or maxillofacial region. Dr. Brown will evaluate the area in question and provide recommendations for further treatment.