What happens when a sore develops that doesn’t heal? This could be an example of oral pathology that needs attention, possibly even a biopsy! In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons talk about our approach to oral pathologies.
What is an Oral Pathology?
This refers to sores or lumps that form in your mouth. While these could be harmless, this could also be a warning sign of serious oral health issues, issues that could threaten your overall health. Which is why we want to make a close examination of them, and treat any issues we can in-office. We’re also ready to refer you to a specialist as needed as well. These issues could form in your cheeks, on your gums, or in the jaw or salivary glands. If any painful areas or lesions develop that don’t pass after a week, then let us know right away!
Dangers of Ignoring Symptoms
You should alert us if you encounter oral sores, areas with red and white splotches, ulcers and raw ares, or unexplained swelling or lesions. Often, these areas are not painful but could be noticed by your general dentist during your checkup and cleaning. Ignoring symptoms could allow an issue like oral cancer to grow in severity, eventually threatening your health. In fact, due to often only being discovered in the late stages, oral cancer has a very high mortality rate. Be sure to attend your six month checkup and cleaning visits with your general dentist, and always alert us if you encounter sores or discomfort that don’t improve after a week.
Treatments and Biopsies
Our team has years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of common oral pathologies. To make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, we employ advanced digital imaging systems, which provide detailed pictures of your teeth, gums, roots, jaw, and oral structures. These 3D scanning systems let us find areas of concern in the earliest stages. We will discuss possible treatment options with you, and for some we could refer you to a specialist for a biopsy, so a tissue sample can be studied in a lab setting. Your treatment plan will be personalized to you, and when possible we always opt for the least invasive option. If you have any questions about addressing issues like this, or if you would like to schedule a visit with our team, then contact our office today to learn more.
Do You Have Any Questions About Our Treatments?
We’re ready to address these concerns and help you enjoy good oral health. To learn more about our oral surgical procedures schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
