Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases that affect the teeth, cena, joints, huesos, skin, glándulas, and mouth muscles. To become experts in this field, oral surgeons undergo years of additional training beyond dental school.
What is an Oral Pathology Exam?
The first indication of an oral disease is often spotted by your dentist. They may refer you to Dr. Valiente for a more detailed oral pathology examination and treatment if they suspect a complex or severe illness. Dr. Valiente has expertise in a wide range of oral pathologies, including oral cancer.
At your exam, Dr. Valiente carefully examines the area of concern. If any areas look suspicious, he may need to take a closer look. This involves removing a small piece of tissue, called a biopsy, from the abnormal region or lesion. This tissue is then sent to an oral pathology lab for evaluation. The results may take up to two weeks, but we will always follow up with you for the results.
Once we have the results of your oral pathology exam, we can advise you on the best approach for treating any diagnosed disease. This may include medication, cirugía, or outpatient care.
The Importance of Oral Pathology
Most people don’t check the inside of their mouth regularly for disease symptoms. It’s hard to see the inside of the mouth and early signs of oral cancer and other diseases are often missed. Desafortunadamente, the more advanced the disease, the more difficult it is to treat.
This is why early detection through regular oral pathology exams is so crucial. It can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Oral pathology exams can diagnose cancer and other illnesses that may permanently damage the teeth, cena, or mouth. While these illnesses may seem relatively minor at first, they can spread and lead to infections or metastasis that spread to other areas of the body. Without early detection and treatment, these conditions can become more severe and difficult to manage, potentially leading to long-term health complications.
Common Oral Pathology Conditions
Oral pathology covers several diseases of the mouth, incluso:
Thrush (Candidiasis)
A fungal overgrowth in the mouth that causes white patches inside the mouth and on the tongue. Thrush is more common in those with a weakened immune system, diabetes, or who are on long-term steroids. It is easily treated with anti-fungal medication.
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex 1)
Cold sores are dormant viral infections that flare up when the immune system is weakened or when one is stressed. Treatment usually addresses the symptoms, as there is no cure for Herpes Simplex 1.
Black Hairy Tongue
This is an overgrowth of the papillae of the tongue, which then collect dead skin cells stained by food and drink. Although unattractive, it is treatable and can be prevented with good oral hygiene and by eliminating bad habits such as smoking.
cáncer bucal
The most severe oral pathology is oral cancer, which is often missed by patients in its earliest stages because it rarely causes pain. The lesions form inside the mouth on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the roof or floor of the mouth. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, terapia de radiación, and medications.
Do You Need an Oral Pathology Exam?
Si tiene alguno de los siguientes síntomas, please get in touch with your dentist to schedule an oral pathology exam as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is crucial to successfully treating oral diseases.
- Lumps or uneven areas in the mouth or on the lips
- Sores or lesions that don’t go away
- Hinchazón, redness, or pain in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding
- Chronic bad breath
- Uneven, red or white patches in the mouth
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Valiente, por favor, póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina al 813-968-5400. No espere hasta que sea demasiado tarde. Early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery.
