Oral Pathology

Treat and Manage Oral Disease

Oral pathology involves detecting, diagnosing, and treating mouth and jaw disorders. These issues range from simple benign mouth lesions to complex maxillofacial abnormalities, such as oral cancer. Oral surgeons specialize in managing these conditions to protect your oral health and prevent the problem from worsening.

At Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we can diagnose and treat oral pathology cases in patients of all ages. Most changes that occur within the mouth should be looked at by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to rule out a more serious condition. If you have noticed any changes to your mouth or suspect oral cancer or disease, please contact us in Sonoma or Napa, CA, to schedule an appointment.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Disease

Normal tissue inside the mouth should feel smooth, with a coral pink color. While most changes in and around the mouth tend to be benign (harmless), any change should be evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to rule out a more serious condition.

Dr. Tyler Boynton recommends an oral self-exam once a month to understand how your mouth typically looks and feels. This will help when and if any changes occur and to seek treatment promptly. Most oral pathologies are easily treated when they are caught early.

Although most oral pathologies are not serious, it is important to have an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluate the area in question so that more serious diseases and conditions, such as oral cancer, can be ruled out. The signs and symptoms of an oral pathology can vary, but there are common changes that can occur in and around the mouth to watch out for, including:

• Red or white patches
• Bleeding sore
• Sore that fails to heal
• Any lump or irregularity
• Chronic sore throat and/or persistent hoarseness

It is important to note that many oral pathologies do not necessarily have associated pain, such as oral cancer. You should attend regular dental checkups every 6 months, even if you are not in pain or suspect any issues. Oral cancer and disease could still be affecting your health without causing discomfort. Your dentist can detect any issues and refer you to an oral surgeon for prompt attention.

Treatment for Oral Pathology

If an oral pathology is suspected, a biopsy may be taken for further examination and diagnosis. In general, a biopsy is a minor procedure that involves your oral surgeon taking a small tissue sample of the affected area. The tissue sample is then sent to a lab for diagnosis from a pathologist, who will share their findings with Dr. Boynton. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your oral surgeon can recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

In some cases, we will take 3D scans of the face and mouth to assess the bone and soft tissue structures. Prior to any treatment, including biopsies, we will discuss your options for anesthesia and sedation. There are many options available so that you can feel at ease while in our care.

Treatment for oral pathology varies depending on the type, location, and severity of the issue. Oral cancer may require chemotherapy, radiation, or medications. Infections can often be treated with antibiotics and close monitoring to ensure the problem does not progress. If a lump or cyst is benign, it can simply be removed by an oral surgeon. 

We will discuss your options and the details of your treatment at our office, where you can expect excellent care from a team committed to your health. Contact Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants if you suspect the presence of oral cancer, oral disease, or to receive an oral examination from one of our experts.