Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the identification and management of changes in the mouth or face that may indicate an issue in pathology. By maintaining vigilant attention to dental health, it becomes easier to monitor and maintain oral health and treat issues including cysts, ulcers, infections, congenital diseases, or—in severe cases— oral cancer—should they arise.

At Round Rock Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are committed to helping you maintain your oral health. We are here to address any signs of oral cancer or disease should we detect them. Whether it’s treating various treatments or detecting oral cancer, we’re dedicated to delivering care that results in positive clinical outcomes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our surgeons.

Signs of Oral Cancer and Disease

Oral issues may not always manifest with signs of pain or discomfort, which underscores the importance of self-examinations and regular dental check-ups. We recommend an at-home oral examination every month to monitor if there are any changes or irregularities in your mouth.

To do so, face a mirror and open your mouth wide. While you do this, look for patches of sores that aren’t healing, discoloration, or thickening of the mouth lining. Take note if you notice any issues with chewing or swallowing. Should you notice any of these signs, contact an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine whether these symptoms are benign or indicative of cancerous pathologies.

Some symptoms associated with pathological processes include:

• Changes in your bite or loose teeth.
• Numbness or pain around the mouth or lips.
• A consistently hoarse or sore throat.
• Trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Sores that do not go away after two weeks.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Bleeding or swollen gums.

Schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon if you notice any of these symptoms.

Oral Pathology Treatment

Depending on the condition, treating oral pathologies varies. To determine the best course of action, Dr. Weber will examine your mouth to check for any oral disease and may take 3D scans to ensure accurate diagnoses. He may also choose to take a biopsy. If that is the case, he will administer a local anesthetic to ensure the area is numb to ensure a pain-free procedure.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, he will extract a small tissue sample from the area. This sample will be sent to a laboratory where a pathologist will make a diagnosis after further analyzing the tissue. The pathologist will generate a pathology report and your oral surgeon will discuss the results with you. If your condition is a benign growth or infection, it can often be treated with creams, oral medications, or removal procedures. Viral and fungal conditions like candidiasis (thrush) or herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) can be managed with certain treatments.

If the pathology report comes back with a more severe result, such as oral cancer, a more comprehensive treatment—such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy—may be deemed necessary. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions regarding these options.

Preventing Oral Cancer

While there is no proven way to prevent oral cancer, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk.

Although oral cancer is not completely preventable, there are activities you can refrain from and steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

• Regular dental checkups
• Avoid tobacco products
• Protect lips from sun exposure
• Consume only moderate amounts of alcohol