Oral Pathology
Lewiston, ID
 Oral pathology is a field of dentistry that is concerned with the identification and treatment of various oral diseases. This field is quite extensive as it covers any type of disease affecting the oral cavity or parts of the maxillofacial region. Oral & Facial Surgery provides diagnostic testing and screening as well as information regarding various treatment plans.
Variations of Oral Pathology
Oral pathology relates to several different aspects of one’s oral health. There are several different developmental issues, diseases, injuries, and infections that fall under the category of oral pathology. For example, developmental issues may be in the form of impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, gap teeth, and misshapen or malformed teeth.
We see several common oral pathology diseases such as gum disease (also called periodontitis), coated tongue disease, cavities, ulcers, candidiasis, herpes, erythroplakia, and leukoplakia. Oral cancer is another condition which is often screened for routinely. Oral cancer affects structures inside of your mouth as well as the surrounding tissues of your face, neck, and throat.
Common Diagnostic Testing
Our oral & maxillofacial surgeon always begins exams with a basic visual check of the area of concern, though your dentist will have also completed this portion as well. Our oral & maxillofacial surgeon looks at your gums, teeth, neck, and overall facial structure to determine if there are any obvious abnormalities. They check for discoloration, bleeding, lacerations, swelling, sunken tissues or bone structure, and any other abnormal appearances.
After this exam, they will likely send you for diagnostic imaging and lab tests. Common tests include digital imaging like x-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and PET scans. Lab tests, then, may include biopsy, cytology, stains, dyes, and endoscopy.
Biopsy and cytology are similar processes as both involve the collection and observation of soft tissue cells under a microscope. They are slightly different, however. A biopsy is used to gather cells from inside of a lesion while cytology is used to gather surface area cells. There are different tools that can be used to collect the cells. Stains and dyes can differentiate between abnormal and healthy soft tissue. Endoscopy is a procedure in which a small camera attached to a tube to look inside your tissue structures.
Some oral health conditions can be diagnosed by our oral & maxillofacial surgeon or a dentist. However, more complicated conditions may require a full dental team of medical specialists for diagnosis and treatment.
Oral Health Treatment
Oral health treatment involves three main components which are prevention, home care, and professional treatment. Everyone is susceptible to oral health conditions based on several different risk factors, like genetics. Lifestyle changes can also decrease your risk, such as quitting smoking or substance use, and maintaining a healthier diet. Of course, you should also follow American Dental Association guidelines for oral hygiene maintenance, which is brushing and flossing every day.
Home care may involve over-the-counter medicine for symptom relief, like anti-inflammatories and pain medicine. The professional treatment has a wider variety. Some of these treatments include ongoing deep cleanings, prescription medicine, surgery, other kinds of complex dental work, and the utilization of oral appliances.
Call Oral & Facial Surgery in the Lewiston/Clarkston region at 208-743-1640 or in the Moscow/Pullman region at 509-330-5020 to learn more about oral pathology. |
