Oral Pathology

The mouth is one of the most versatile and important organs in the body, and it is necessary for breathing, speaking, and eating. Because this organ has such a wide variety of functions and is exposed to many external environmental factors, it is at an increased risk for the development of infection.

At Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery, our team of skilled surgeons are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat oral cancer and disease. If you suspect the presence of an oral pathology, contact our office in Lebanon, PA, for an evaluation. We will examine your oral health and if a pathology is detected, we will perform a diagnosis and discuss your options for treatment.

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is the medical term for any disease that can develop inside the mouth, jaws, or salivary glands. There are many oral pathological processes, including:

• Strep throat
• Oral cancer
• Tonsillitis
• Mumps
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Herpes simplex virus
• Salivary gland disease
• Oral ulceration
• Some autoimmune diseases

If you think that you may be experiencing an oral pathological process, you may notice a change in the appearance of your mucosa. The mucosa is the smooth lining of the mouth that is pink in color and the most common area that changes can occur. Other structures that may show a change include the tonsils or tongue. Oral pathologies can result in severe complications and may require extensive surgical treatment if not identified early.

Signs and Symptoms of an Oral Pathology

Many oral pathologies are benign, but it is important that a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon examines the mouth if any symptoms are present. If you experience any of the following symptoms, this may be indicative of the development of oral pathology:

• Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
• A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

If any of these symptoms are present on your lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck, contact our office in Lebanon, PA, to schedule an oral examination with Dr. Balaci, Dr. Forbes, or Dr. Murphy. Your oral surgeon will examine your mouth and its surrounding areas thoroughly to detect the presence of infection or disease and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Treatment for Oral Pathology

The type of treatment will depend on the type of oral pathology that is diagnosed. We may use 3D scans to evaluate your facial structures and will discuss your options for anesthesia prior to performing any type of treatment.

Oral cancer that is caught early yields the most optimal results. This is another reason why it's important to maintain regular dental checkups. At these visits, your dentist checks for signs of oral disease and will refer you to an oral surgeon at the sign of any abnormalities. Treatment for oral cancer or disease can include:

• Antibiotics
• Antiviral creams or medications
• Antifungal medications
• Surgical removal of a growth or cyst
• Reenforcing good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing
• Stopping the use of tobacco products or excessive alcohol consumption
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

When it comes to your oral health, the team at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon if you suspect an oral pathology is present, or if you have been told by your dentist that you have an oral pathology.