Diagnosing and Treating Oral Diseases
Oral pathology covers the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, notably oral cancer. At Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center, the process for diagnosing and treating oral diseases will vary from patient to patient depending on their case.
The most important step, however, is to consult with Dr. Ahmed Chaudhry about your condition, to determine your treatment plan. Read on to learn more about oral pathology and when it may be time for you to schedule an appointment.
What Does Oral Pathology Screen For?
Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases such as:
- Oral cancer
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Tongue diseases
Oral pathology doesn’t just stop at your teeth. It can also include treatments for dysfunctions with the salivary glands, facial muscles, and more. Thanks to our advanced dental technology, our dental team can scan and perform a visual exam on your mouth, jaw, and throat areas to determine your individual needs.
Once the issue has been identified, Dr. Chaudhry will meet with you to discuss the severity of your case and what treatments should be explored. Oral surgery can be used as an option to remedy these issues and save your smile.
What is a Biopsy?
Oftentimes, abnormalities with your oral health can’t be determined at first glance. Dr. Chaudhry can conduct an oral biopsy, which is when samples of lesions are taken for further studying. This can help determine if the lesion is malignant, meaning that it could be ulcerated or affixed to other tissues.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a serious condition that develops when cancer cells begin growing out of control in the mouth, which can include the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the gums, most of the tongue, the bottom of the mouth, and the bony roof of your mouth, or the hard palate.
Early Oral Cancer Detection
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases a patient’s survival rate. If you notice any sudden and unusual changes in your oral health, contact our Lehigh Valley office at (484) 821-1357 right away for an evaluation.
Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Unexplained sores, lumps, or thickened tissue in your mouth and tongue
- Red or white lesions on your tissues
- Lumps or feeling something stuck in your throat
- Trouble opening or closing your jaw or moving your tongue
- Prolonged sore throat
- Difficulty speaking normally or prolonged hoarseness
- Loose teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent oral cancer?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, there are ways to lower your risk of developing it, such as:
- Consuming foods rich in antioxidants
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Scheduling biannual routine cleanings
- Protecting your lips from UV rays
- Developing an active lifestyle
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
Who is most at risk for oral cancer?
Patients may be at a higher risk for oral cancer if they:
- Frequently use tobacco
- Have a genetic disposition
- Have HPV
- Consume heavy amounts of alcohol
- Have been previously diagnosed with oral cancer
- Have a history of heavy sun exposure
If any of these apply to you, it’s especially important to schedule regular oral cancer screening appointments. Early detection is crucial to your treatment and recovery. Contact our Lehigh Valley office with any questions or concerns and schedule an appointment.
When should you get oral cancer screening?
While it’s ideal that you schedule routine dental exams and cleanings every six months, the frequency of your oral cancer screenings depends on your age and risk factors. Patients over 20 years of age can choose to undergo screenings every three years, while patients over 40 years of age should get screened for oral cancer annually.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Chaudhry
Don’t leave unusual changes in your mouth alone: the sudden appearance of lesions, swelling, and more could be signs of malignant oral diseases that need to be addressed. We believe that your oral health is pivotal. Call our Lehigh Valley office at (484) 821-1357 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment today. If you have recently undergone a biopsy, be sure to adhere to the following post-care instructions from Dr. Chaudhry.
Don’t Delay Treatment! Request an appointment NOW!