Oral Pathology

Early Detection Treatment of Oral Cancer and Disease

The diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases are referred to as oral pathology, which is a specialized field of oral and facial medicine. Your dentist should examine any noticeable changes in the look or feel of your mouth’s lining. Further examination from an oral surgeon for biopsy and treatment may be necessary.

Our oral surgeons at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center are experts at diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth. It is important to notice any symptoms that arise in the mouth or facial structures. Regular checkups with your dentist and oral self-examinations can help any sign of oral disease or abnormality from getting overlooked.

It’s recommended that you perform a self-evaluation monthly to look for any abnormalities inside or around your mouth. As soon as you or your general dentist spot one, you should visit or will be recommended to visit an oral surgeon. Our practice has offices located in Fresno, Clovis, Reedley, Madera, and Visalia, CA, where we use 3D scanning and other technology to detect pathology and design custom treatment plans.

Signs and Symptoms

Cancer or disease is not always painful. You may require treatment even if you are not experiencing any signs or discomfort. It’s important to attend regular checkups with your general dentist, who is trained to identify the first signs of an oral pathology and refer you to an oral surgeon for a diagnosis. Some symptoms of oral disease include the following:

Patches in the mouth that are red or white in color
A sore that is slow to heal or bleeds easily
A lump or thickened portion inside the mouth
Hoarseness of voice or a sore throat
Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Types of Oral Diseases

Not all pathologies are cancerous. Your treatment will vary depending on the type of pathology and the lab results, if a biopsy is performed. A benign cyst or tumor can simply be removed, while an infection may require antibiotics and other medications. Prior to undergoing any type of procedure, we will discuss your options for anesthesia so that you remain comfortable and at ease during surgery.

Common oral and maxillofacial diseases and conditions include:

Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections of the oral and facial region
Salivary gland disorders
Sores or ulcerations
Tumors
Oral cancer

Oral Pathology Diagnosis, Biopsy, and Treatment at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Prompt treatment of any sign of an oral or facial disease is important. Generally, the earlier a pathological process, the easier it is to treat. For more information about oral pathology, or to schedule an appointment, contact one of our offices. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.