The appearance of your intraoral tissues can tell a lot about the health of your mouth. Typically, when your mouth is healthy, the tissues are smooth in texture and pink in color.
Any change to your intraoral tissues, even minor changes, can sometimes indicate an issue. In some cases, the issue may be severe.
At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we perform oral pathology, which enables us to diagnose different oral health complications and provide you with the treatment you need to restore the health of your mouth.
What Types of Pathological Diseases Are There?
There are several different types of pathological diseases that can impact the health of your mouth. These diseases include
| • | Hairy tongue. Often caused by bacterial overgrowth, your tongue appears black and hairy. This condition may also be caused by an overuse of antibiotics. |
| • | Geographic tongue. Geographic tongue is a benign condition that affects the papillae on your tongue. A healthy tongue is covered in papillae or tiny bumps. With geographic tongue, however, sections of papillae are missing, giving your tongue a map-like appearance. The areas of missing papillae can also become red and painful. |
| • | Median palatal cysts. A cyst is a fluid or semi-fluid filled sac that often forms as a result of an infection. Median palatal cysts form in the palate, or roof of your mouth. While often benign, they can cause pain. |
| • | Oral cancer. Oral cancer is the most serious pathological disease. It is the largest group of head and neck cancers that affects over 40,000 Americans every year. If not found and detected early, it can be fatal. |
How Are Oral Pathological Diseases Diagnosed?
Pathological diseases are diagnosed with an oral exam. First, we visually inspect the interior of your mouth, checking for abnormalities in the soft tissues.
Your oral exam will also include X-rays, which will allow us to detect the presence of hidden issues that we might not otherwise be able to see.
We may also perform a soft tissue biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small section of a lesion in your mouth for examination under a microscope.
Soft tissue biopsies are an effective tool for detecting, or ruling out, the presence of cancerous cells. Once we have determined your exact issue, we are then able to formulate a customized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Treatment for Oral Pathological Diseases
The exact treatment you receive depends upon your diagnosis. Common treatments for oral pathological diseases include
| • | Prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics are often used to treat infections, and to help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. |
| • | Prescription strength mouthwashes. A specialized mouthwash may be prescribed to help kill bacteria in your mouth that have accumulated due to poor oral hygiene practices. They should be used with regular brushing and flossing to achieve optimal results. |
| • | Oral surgery. In some cases, oral surgery may be required. Surgery can be used to remove cysts or to remove abnormalities from your soft tissues. If the abnormality is cancerous, you will be recommended for the necessary treatment. |
Commonly Asked FAQs
What is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues. It helps identify conditions ranging from oral cancers to benign lesions and other abnormalities.
What Are the Signs That I Might Need An Oral Pathology Evaluation?
Signs that you may need an oral pathology evaluation include persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth, lumps or thickened areas, red or white patches, unexplained pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and any unusual changes in the oral tissues. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
When Should I See a Specialist for Oral Pathology?
You should see a specialist if you have symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, such as sores that do not heal, unusual oral pain, or any abnormalities in your mouth or jaw. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for addressing potential issues effectively.
While changes to your oral tissues may be no big deal, they can often indicate an issue that can cause serious complications if not addressed immediately. Call Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (610) 435-6161 today to schedule your consultation.