Oral Pathology

Oral pathology

refers to diseases that can develop inside your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws. The inside of the mouth is lined with a special type of skin called the mucosa that should be smooth and coral pink in color. Any change in the appearance of the mucosa could be a warning sign for a pathological process. When oral pathologies or diseases are caught early, they are much more easily treated, so it’s important to be aware of the condition of your mouth. We recommend performing an oral self-examination monthly. Although most oral pathologies are benign, it is always important to get proper evaluation and treatment of any oral abnormality or lesion by an expert. Even if an oral lesion is not painful, it should still be evaluated and properly treated. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the most qualified medical providers to diagnose and treat oral pathologies.

Common oral pathologies include the following:

Ulcers
Canker sores
Tonsil stones
Cysts and tumors
Salivary gland diseases
Infections
Herpes (cold sores)
Oral cancers
If your oral surgeon suspects that you are suffering from an oral pathology, you may have a biopsy during your examination. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue that is removed and sent to a lab to confirm a diagnosis. Most biopsies can be performed in our practice with local anesthesia. The appropriate next steps will depend on the diagnosis. Dr. Esmail will discuss his recommendations with you to personalize a treatment plan for the restoration of your oral health.

Signs of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases

If you notice any abnormality in your mouth, including the following, call our practice right away for a pathology screening:

Red or white patches in the mouth
A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Oral diseases range from simple canker sores to more serious issues such as oral cancer. It is important to note that oral pain does not always occur with a pathological process, particularly in the case of oral cancer.

Oral Pathology in Abbotsford, BC

Most changes in your mucosa and oral cavity will not be serious, but any unusual changes should be examined by your oral surgeon promptly. Early identification and treatment of pathologies are important. Your overall health is our priority, so please contact Abbotsford Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Centre as soon as possible if you suspect an oral pathology. We will make every effort to see you promptly for an evaluation of the area and a recommendation for next steps.

As a patient of our office, we want it to be as easy as possible for you to visit our team for care. You can request an appointment by filling out our online form.