If you’re considering an oral pathology procedure, at Santa Clara Oral Surgery and Dental Implants we use state-of-the-art technology paired with expert skills to address your needs with precision and compassion. Find out more about our specialized care by contacting us for a consultation.
What Is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the tissues of the mouth. In a healthy mouth, the skin inside the mouth, called mucosa, should appear smooth and coral-pink in color. If changes in the color or texture of the mucosa occur, this could be a warning sign for a pathological (abnormal) process.
Signs to watch out for may include:
- Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia)
- A sore that won’t heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the lips or skin that lines the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
If you notice any of these concerns, we may need to obtain a biopsy to rule out oral cancer as these can be indicators of the onset of a pathologic (abnormal) process. At Santa Clara Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we are here to help with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Benefits of Oral Pathology Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment
Thanks to our state-of-the-art techniques combined with a comfortable, caring exam, our team can detect any changes on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck that may be cause for concern.
Oral pathology is not always accompanied by pain, even in cases of oral cancer, so it is recommended that patients don’t rely on discomfort alone as a guide for when it’s time to get checked out. Of course, if you are experiencing facial or oral pain that has no obvious explanation, don’t wait to contact us for a thorough exam.
Further, we recommend that all patients conduct a monthly self-exam at home to look for any suspicious bumps or sores that may arise and come in for an evaluation if any are discovered. Detecting and diagnosing oral pathology as early as possible can lead to greater success with treatment.
Procedures Offered
As part of the careful and thorough approach we take to oral pathology, we provide a number of procedures that are customized to your unique conditions. We conduct oral cancer screenings, visual examinations and biopsies if needed. For biopsies, they can be what’s known as either an excisional biopsy if an entire lesion needs to be removed, or an incisional biopsy if just a few cells need to be removed.
We also offer diagnosis and treatment for benign oral pathology. There are many non-cancerous conditions that may occur, including cold sores or fever blisters, canker sores or oral thrush. Some of these may be painful and even contagious, so it is important to seek proper care, which can often be as simple as the administration of prescription creams or pills.
Why Choose Santa Clara Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?
At Santa Clara Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, when we say we do dental differently, we mean it. Our team strives to put our patients at ease with compassionate, comprehensive care. When it comes to oral pathology, we offer highly advanced technology and techniques along with a team of highly skilled practitioners so you can rest assured that you’ll receive top-notch treatment.
Oral Pathology FAQs
Schedule a Consultation
Contact us today to schedule an oral pathology consultation at the location nearest you.