Oral pathology refers to any disease involving the oral and facial region (including salivary glands, jaws, etc.). Oral diseases are often benign and simple to treat, but catching the pathological process at an early stage is key to a successful treatment and swift recovery. For this reason, the doctors at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and other dental professionals recommend regular oral examinations to look out for changes in the pinkish lining of the mouth, also known as the mucosa.
Not all symptoms of an oral condition cause discomfort at early stages. It is important to be proactive and become familiar with the look, feel, and texture of the inside of your mouth so that you notice any sudden changes. Getting regular oral exams from your dentist or oral surgeon is another way to prevent oral diseases from becoming too serious. Below are a few symptoms to look out for during an oral exam:
- Red or white patches of discoloration
- Thickening or changes in the shape of your mouth’s lining
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- The appearance of lumps or sores in the mouth
- Pain in the mouth or jaw with no obvious cause
If you notice any of the symptoms above or any other irregularities in the lining of your mouth or other facial structures, contact one of our offices to schedule an exam today. We offer biopsies and other tests to screen for a variety of oral conditions, including oral cancers. If it is determined that you are experiencing a pathological process, our trained and experienced oral surgeons will form a treatment plan to cure your symptoms.
Types of Oral Diseases
Oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat several different oral and facial conditions. Many oral diseases are simple to treat without any surgical intervention, but more serious cases such as oral cancer may involve a more extensive treatment process. Some of the most common oral diseases include
- Oral infections
- Cysts or ulceration
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Salivary gland diseases
- Oral cancer
- Some autoimmune diseases
Oral Pathology Treatment at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Our oral surgeons, Dr. Miller, Dr. George, and Dr. Leet, have received extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of oral pathology. Oral surgeons have the know-how to treat oral diseases while also taking the safety of important oral structures, such as the salivary glands and jaw joints, into account. If you think you may be experiencing an oral pathological process, contact one of our four convenient locations in Sioux Falls, SD, Mitchell, SD, Yankton, SD, or Brookings, SD, to schedule an oral exam with one of our experienced oral surgeons.