Oral pathology is the dental specialty that focusing on the causes and effects of diseases that affect the mouth and the surrounding structures.
Oral pathology is the dental specialty that focusing on the causes and effects of diseases that affect the mouth and the surrounding structures. These diseases involve the teeth, the supporting bones, and the temporomandibular joints, as well as your gums, your tongue, and other soft tissues such as your salivary glands.
Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common oral issues, but there are quite a few of other conditions that affect the health of your mouth.
Implant Dentistry and Periodontics understands the importance of oral pathology and biopsies if necessary, to protect your oral health. We provide an oral cancer screening at every single checkup. We also offer an expansive range of important periodontal and dental implant services to help every patient. Our conscientious and caring staff work together on a team goal of providing you with the best quality service for your overall oral health. Our team approaches all dental procedures in a peaceful, relaxing environment, and address your dental care as an important partner on your health care team. If you have questions about your oral pathology or a potential biopsy, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
There are so many good reasons why it is such a terrific idea to schedule regular periodontal every six months, but there is one that is most often overlooked. While these routine checkups allow us to perform deep cleanings or monitor how recent procedures are progressing, these visits also allow us to monitor your overall oral health and identify potential issues proactively. Implant Dentistry and Periodontics is not just examining your teeth, we are also examining your glands, the areas outside your mouth, gums, lips, skin, temporomandibular joint, and your palate.
If Implant Dentistry and Periodontics determines that you need to have a biopsy, there is no need to worry. Most likely it is a proactive, error on the side of caution approach. Most lesions biopsied are found to be benign, but it is always better to be proactive with these types of matters.
Oral Pathology
In a healthy mouth, the inner lining will be covered with mucosa, a special type of skin that is pink and smooth. When changes to the visual appearance of the mucosa are noted, this might be a warning sign that something is happening with the pathology of your mouth, and the most serious concern being oral cancer. The following signs may indicate a cancerous growth or other oral pathology issues:
- You are having difficulty swallowing or chewing
- There are white patches or leukoplakia in the mouth
- You can see red patches or erythroplasia in the mouth
- A thickening or lump in the skin that lines the inside of your mouth
- You have developed a chronic hoarseness or sore throat
These changes will be detected by Implant Dentistry and Periodontics in the gum tissue, cheeks, palate, lips, face, tongue, or neck. An occasional pain may occur, but not always present, especially with oral cancer. If you notice any oral or facial pain without an obvious reason, you might be at risk for developing oral cancer.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
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Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Screenings and Biopsies
Periodic oral cancer screenings are essential for detecting a problem while it is still treatable. Implant Dentistry and Periodontics will perform an extensive exam of your mouth to screen for oral cancer and other oral pathology issues. Factors that can increase your risk include:
- If you have heavy alcohol consumption
- Significant sun exposure will increase your lip cancer risk
- If you are a tobacco user
- A previous diagnosis of oral cancer
In addition to looking for the changes in the color of the inside of your mouth, we will also feel the tissues of your mouth to check for any abnormalities or lumps. If you wear dentures that are removable, we will take them out to better inspect the tissue located underneath them.
If we find an abnormality, we will recommend a biopsy to take a proactive stance on any diagnose. During the biopsy process we will remove the tissue and send to a lab to determine the nature of the growth. If the results do come back positive, we will help you develop a treatment plan that is designed for the particular pathology issue and your needs.
The Treatment of Oral Cancer
If the biopsy comes back positive for oral cancer, you could need one of these treatment options, which include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Before we begin with any treatment, we will address any other oral health issues that may exist. The reason for this approach is to reduce the likelihood of developing a post-therapeutic complication. If you have teeth that are in poor health from cavities or periodontal disease, we may need to extract them prior to the oral cancer treatment to avoid post-radiotherapy surgery. This approach is important and necessary because post-radiotherapy surgery may impact the blood supply to your jawbone, and then could lead to osteonecrosis, which is a condition where the jawbone loses the ability to repair itself.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you schedule an oral pathology exam and a potential biopsy with our thorough staff at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be inspired by the high degree of our professionalism and that we are a team who has the most advanced dental technology at our disposal in our clinic. We are conscientious because we understand how different and unique each patient is. We are detail orientated when developing your personalized treatments, to ensure success that works for your desires and budget. Our entire team focuses on bringing the value back into your personal asset, your healthy smile, so every procedure we perform for you is with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, our clinic has a calming setting, and we want you to be confident with our abilities and services. Scheduling an appointment for a potential oral pathology exam or even a biopsy is a serious first step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Suite 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Suite 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.