Oral Pathology
San Antonio, & Pleasanton, TX
Under normal circumstances, the oral tissues in your mouth – the tongue, cheeks, and gums – are smooth and pink. These tissues are also highly sensitive. When changes occur in the soft tissues of your mouth, they need to be examined. At Aesthetic Periodontal and Implant Specialists, we specialize in oral pathology. Not only can we diagnose oral pathological issues, but we can also treat them as well.
Types of Oral Pathological Diseases
Oral pathology deals with the diagnosis, and treatment, of changes in the cells, tissues, and organs of the mouth that are caused by disease. There are several types of pathological diseases:
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Median palatal cysts. A cyst is a fluid filled sac that is developmental in nature, often appearing as the result of an infection. This particular type of cyst develops on the palate. While benign (non cancerous) they can cause significant pain.
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Geographic tongue. The surface of your tongue is coated in papillae or tiny bumps. With this condition, areas of your tongue are missing papillae and can be red and sensitive.
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Hairy tongue. A result of bacterial overgrowth, your tongue becomes almost black in color and appears hairy. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene practices or continual use of antibiotics.
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Oral cancer. Oral cancer is a serious pathological disease. Over 40,000 people are diagnosed every year, and only about half survive past five years. Early detection and treatment are key. |
Diagnosing Pathological Diseases
Any abnormalities in your mouth must be addressed right away. To accurately diagnose the issue present within your mouth, we must perform a thorough oral examination. Along with a visual inspection, we may also use other diagnostic tools, such as digital x-rays or cone beam CT scans. In many instances, we may also perform a soft tissue biopsy, in which we take a small sample of the abnormality in your mouth and examine it under a microscope. Biopsies are extremely useful in diagnosing or ruling out oral cancer.
Treatment for Pathological Diseases
For the most part, except oral cancer, pathological diseases are not life threatening. Treatment for many pathological diseases may involve one of the following:
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Antibiotics. Prescribed in the event of a bacterial infection, antibiotics not only work to kill harmful bacteria, but they also work to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the infection.
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Prescription strength mouthwash. If your pathological disease is the cause of poor oral hygiene, we may prescribe you a prescription strength mouthwash. In conjunction with improved oral hygiene habits, a prescription mouthwash should help to clear up a bacterial infection.
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Oral surgery. Any non cancerous growths or cysts often need to be removed with oral surgery. Cancerous lesions can also be removed with oral surgery as well, in an attempt to remove all cancerous cells. Further treatment may be required. |
If you notice anything strange with the soft tissues of your mouth, don’t hesitate to call Aesthetic Periodontal and Implant Specialists. As experts in oral pathology, we can diagnose your issue and provide prompt treatment, helping you to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be.
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