Oral and maxillofacial pathology refers to diseases or infections related to the mouth, jaws, or related structures. Paying attention to the normal condition of the lining of your mouth (called the mucosa) is important so that any changes can be addressed as soon as possible. If caught early, a pathological process can be treated more effectively by the team at Lakeside Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery.
There are many kinds of oral diseases, such as infections, canker sores, and even oral cancer. If you aren’t sure whether your condition classifies as oral pathology, your oral surgeon will be able to help diagnose your condition and form a treatment plan. Dr. Bale is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of oral pathologies.
In the case of a suspected oral pathology, you may have a biopsy of the area of concern during your exam. In general, a biopsy is a quick sample of tissue that is sent off to a pathologist for diagnosis. Local anesthesia is usually all that is needed for a biopsy procedure. Dr. Bale will determine the next course of treatment based on the pathologist’s findings.
Signs of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases
If you notice any of these changes in your mouth, call our practice right away for an examination:
- Sores that bleed or fail to heal on their own
- Swelling that recurs or doesn’t resolve
- Red or white patches on gums, tongue, or cheeks
- Lumps in the mouth or on the neck
- Change in color, texture, or shape of the mucosa
- Soreness or hoarseness in the throat that won’t go away
- Earache that lasts longer than normal
- Pain in or around the mouth with no visible cause
Many oral and facial pathologies have no uncomfortable or painful symptoms in early stages, so it is crucial to attend regular checkups. Oral and maxillofacial diseases are much easier to treat if they are caught early. Contact us if you notice any irregularity of the oral or maxillofacial region, including the tongue, tonsils, salivary glands, cheeks, lips, palate, and gums. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
Oral Pathology in Russellville, AR
While most changes are not serious, any change to the mouth can indicate disease. Early identification and treatment are important. Please contact Lakeside Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery in Russellville, AR, right away if you notice any changes to the oral or maxillofacial region. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Bale, will evaluate the area in question and provide recommendations for further treatment.