Normally, the skin on the inside of your mouth should be coral pink in color and smooth in appearance. While most oral pathologies are benign, any changes to your mouth should always be evaluated by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
It is a good idea to get in the habit of a monthly oral self-exam to understand how your mouth typically looks when it is normal and healthy, especially since pain does not always occur with oral pathologies. Oral pathologies are usually treated more easily if they are caught early.
If an oral pathology is suspected, your oral surgeon may perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. An oral biopsy requires a small oral tissue sample to be sent off to a lab for diagnosis. Your oral surgeon will recommend a treatment plan based on the pathologists’ findings.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Pathologies
Oral pathologies can range from a benign canker sore to a more serious cancer diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of oral pathologies can vary from patient to patient, so it is very important to discuss any changes to your mouth with your oral surgeon. A few signs to look out for include
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- A sore that bleeds easily or fails to heal
- Any lump or irregularity
- A sore throat that won’t go away, and/or persistent hoarseness
Most oral pathologies are not serious but should be examined by an oral health professional to confirm. We encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment if you have noticed any of these changes in your mouth.
Oral Pathology Treatment in Santa Fe, NM
Dr. Schow is experienced in the identification and treatment of oral pathologies. If you have noticed any changes to your mouth, we encourage you to call Bonita Medical Center as soon as possible. We will schedule an appointment for Dr. Schow to examine your condition thoroughly and determine the best treatment plan.