Oral Pathology When the soft tissues in your mouth are healthy, they are smooth in texture and pink in color. While any changes in the texture or color of your oral tissues may be nothing, they can also indicate a problem. If you see something unusual about the tissues within your mouth, it is important that you do not ignore the abnormality. Any changes should be examined right away. At Moser Dentistry & Oral Surgery Implant Center, we can diagnose, and treat, a variety of different oral health issues with oral pathology.Types of Pathological DiseasesThere are several different pathological diseases. Oral pathology specifically deals with the diagnosis and treatment of any changes that occur in the oral cells, tissues, or organs. Types of pathological diseases include: Hairy tongueThis pathological disease is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but it can also be the result of long-term use of certain antibiotics. Your tongue appears hairy and has an almost black color to it. Geographic tongueThis disease affects the papillae that cover your tongue. Normally, the whole tongue is covered with these small bumps. However, with geographic tongue, there are patches of missing papillae that can result in a map-like appearance. The affected areas can also become red and painful. Median palatal cystsThese are cysts that occur in the roof of the mouth. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually occur as a result of an infection. While benign, or noncancerous, they can still cause a significant amount of pain. Oral cancerOral cancer is the most serious pathological disease. It can strike anywhere inside the mouth. Early detection and treatment are key. Without them, oral cancer can be fatal. Diagnosing Pathological DiseasesIf you notice any changes in the tissues inside your mouth, a thorough oral exam is needed. We begin by visually examining the mouth, taking a closer look at the affected area. Images of your mouth are often taken. We may also perform a soft tissue biopsy. A soft tissue biopsy is an important diagnostic tool often used for diagnosing or ruling out oral cancer. We remove a small section of the affected tissue for closer examination under a microscope. There are a few different types of biopsies that may be used, including excisional, incisional, punch, and brush. How Are Pathological Diseases Treated?The exact treatment that you receive will depend upon your diagnosis. Except for oral cancer, most pathological diseases are not life-threatening, but they should still be treated. Treatments include:
If you notice any changes in your mouth, even minor ones, it is important to have those changes looked at right away. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Moser Dentistry & Oral Surgery Implant Center today at (737) 355-6213. |
