Oral Pathology Specialist

What is oral pathology?

Oral pathology is the dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect your mouth, including your teeth, gums, jaw, and salivary glands. At Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, the team offers state-of-the-art, in-office diagnostics, and treatment.

For example, they offer in-office biopsies and partner with the University of the Pacific pathology department for analysis. They also provide in-office surgical procedures and general anesthesia, which helps you to avoid hospitalization for relatively minor tests and procedures.

What are some of the common types of oral pathology?

Some of the common types of oral diseases include:

Oral cancer

Oral cancer can begin in any of the tissues in your mouth and might not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Routine oral cancer screenings are critical to early diagnosis and treatment. The team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center provides in-office biopsies as well as excision procedures.

Herpes simplex virus

Herpes is a prevalent virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on your lips or mouth. It can also cause swollen glands and a fever. While your cold sores eventually go away, the virus remains in your body and can flare up when you’re under stress or your immune system is compromised.

Candidiasis

Candida is a critical part of your microbiome and lives throughout your body. Candidiasis develops when you have an overgrowth of candida in your mouth. It often follows an illness that compromises your immune system, antibiotics, or steroid treatments. It can cause swelling or inflamed white patches in your mouth.

Oral ulcers

Oral ulcers are open sores in your mouth and are sometimes called canker sores. They’re usually painful and make drinking, eating, and at-home oral hygiene uncomfortable. Oral ulcers can be painful and could be a sign of an issue like Crohn’s disease or a deficiency of vitamin B12 or iron.

Cysts or tumors of the Jawbone

There are many cysts or tumors that could develop in your jawbone or oral cavity. This can happen commonly around the impacted wisdom teeth areas. Some cysts or tumors can develop into oral cancers, therefore, it is very important that you get proper screening and treatments for any cysts or tumors in the jawbone. It is also crucial to have your wisdom teeth evaluated for any chance of cystic development around your wisdom teeth since wisdom teeth are the most commonly involved areas.

What are the warning signs of an oral health disorder?

Oral pathologies might not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages of a disease. However, some of the common warning signs include:

• Red or white patches of tissue in your mouth
• Open sores • Blisters and cold sores
• Lumps or bumps
• Pain when swallowing, speaking, or chewing
• Hoarseness
• Numbness in your mouth, jaw, or face

If you’re concerned about oral disease, call Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, or make an appointment online for state-of-the-art oral pathology services.