An oral exam can give you many insights into your overall health. When an oral exam is performed by the team at Sandstone Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Edmond, Oklahoma, we will be able to understand, identify and manage diseases pertaining to the maxillofacial and oral regions.
Why? The soft tissue of the mouth is normally lined with mucosa, which provides insight into your health. Any alteration of the color or texture of the mucosa may signal the beginning of a pathologic process. These changes may occur on the face, neck, and areas of the mouth (e.g., gums, tongue, lips, etc.). The most serious of these pathologic changes (which may or may not be painful) is oral cancer, but there are also many other common pathologic problems.
Treatment of Pathological Diseases
In the majority of cases, the pathological changes experienced in the oral-facial region are uncomfortable and can be disfiguring, but majority are not life threatening. However, oral cancer is on the rise and the chances of survival are high if an immediate diagnosis is made.
Oral cancer is a general term used when referring to any type of cancer affecting the tongue, jaw, and lower cheek area. Since it is impossible for the dentist to decisively diagnose a pathological disease without taking a biopsy sample of the affected area, seeking immediate treatment when lesions are first noticed might be a life and death decision.
Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening is usually performed during a comprehensive or recall (check-up) exam. Screening is painless and only takes a few minutes. If a lesion is present a small biopsy will be taken and sent to a laboratory for review. If the biopsy indicates that oral cancer is present, the patient will be counseled and given appropriate appointments for comprehensive treatment.
If you are experiencing any pain or symptoms that cause you concern, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.