Oral pathology refers to any disease that develops in your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws. Most types of oral pathology are benign (non-cancerous), but it is vital that you pursue early evaluation and proper treatment of any irregularities. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to detect, diagnose, and treat oral diseases.
Signs of an Oral Pathology
It is important that you have your mouth examined if any of the following signs or symptoms are present:
- Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
- Persistent swelling
- A sore that fails to heal or bleeds easily
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
It is important to remember that not all of these signs or symptoms are painful, but the absence of pain does not mean that there is not a problem. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.
Oral Pathology
Types of Oral Pathology
There are various disorders classified as oral pathology, including but not limited to the following:
- Cysts and tumors on the gums
- Cysts and tumors in the bone
- Salivary gland cysts and tumors
- Ulcerations
- Lesions
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
Meet Your Doctors
Treatment for Oral Pathology
At Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center, our team of surgeons may take 3D scans of your face, and we will discuss your options for anesthesia should you undergo any type of surgical procedure. We will likely take a biopsy and send the sample to the lab, then determine a treatment plan based on the results. If you suspect the presence of oral pathology, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office in Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso, Oxford, and Midland, Michigan.
