Oral Pathology

Identify & Manage Oral Disease

Oral pathology is defined as any disease that develops inside the mouth, salivary glands, or jaws. Many oral pathologies aren’t problematic, but it is important to have an expert examine them to determine if you need treatment. Waiting for an evaluation can lead to severe complications or the need for a more extensive surgical procedure.

MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery offers evaluation, biopsy, and treatment for cysts, tumors, and other oral and facial conditions at our offices in Monterey, Salinas, and Santa Cruz, CA. Whether a patient is dealing with an infection, a cyst, or even oral cancer, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, or Dr. Andre LaMothe will form a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Types of Oral Pathology

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat a variety of different conditions, including but not limited to:

• Oral infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
• Tonsillitis or strep throat
• Cysts and ulcers
• Oral cancer
• Salivary gland diseases

Our oral surgeons can perform an oral exam and biopsy to test for oral diseases. Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, or Dr. Andre LaMothe will also develop a treatment plan to correct the condition. Treatment can be as simple as taking a round of antibiotics. If tumor surgery is necessary, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts at restoring the appearance and function of the facial structure after even the most extensive facial surgeries.

Symptoms of Oral Diseases

If you notice any changes in the mouth's lining, it’s important to have them checked by a professional. When a dentist recognizes any of the following symptoms, they will often refer patients to an oral surgeon for diagnosis and treatment:

• Reddish or whitish patches of discoloration on the lining of the mouth, tongue, or gums
• Swelling that does not improve or continues to get worse
• A chronic sore throat or discomfort when swallowing
• Sores that bleed or won’t heal on their own
• Thickening of the skin/lining of the cheeks

The beginning stages of most oral diseases are not always painful or uncomfortable, so checking for any changes in the color, shape, or feel of the mouth is an important preventive measure to take. Seeing a dentist for regular checkups is another way to catch pathological processes at earlier stages.