Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including oral cancer. Pathologists are involved in all areas of disease management, from research and diagnosis to examination and treatment. This field specifically refers to any disease that can develop inside the mouth, including the salivary glands or jaws. Although most oral diseases are benign and not serious, it is always best to have an early evaluation to receive appropriate treatment.
One of the most common areas where an infection occurs is the smooth, coral-pink lining of the mouth, called the mucosa. If you notice an irregularity in the appearance of the lining or structures of the mouth, such as the tongue or tonsils, this may be a sign of a pathological process. Mount Sinai's multidisciplinary oral and maxillofacial surgery team includes a specialized oral pathologist, Dr. With the early detection of oral cancer and precancerous oral conditions, there is a greater chance of cure.
If you have an illness, oral pathology will help you turn your oral health back into a condition that you can smile about. In that case, oral pathology is the science and medicine that help diagnose and treat anything that causes you pain. An oral exam is the best defense against dental problems and is the best chance to detect oral diseases. Saliva, which is crucial for the health and functioning of the mouth, serves many purposes by moistening and lubricating the mouth, promoting digestion and killing certain bacteria.
This change in tissue is a warning sign of oral cancer, indicated by red spots of different sizes and textures. What actually happens is that dead skin cells accumulate in the papillae (small bumps formed by the cells of the mucous membrane that form the surface of the tongue), making them longer than normal (most papillae are approximately 1 millimeter long, according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine). Thanks to the experience of oral pathologists and continuous advances in this field, more is being discovered about diseases that affect the mouth all the time. Anything that prevents you from speaking, smiling, chewing, and swallowing comfortably is an oral problem.
The American Dental Education Association states that oral pathologists require an average of 37 months of advanced education to become experts in this field. With his extensive education and professional experience in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr.If you have pain, bleeding, or unusual symptoms in your mouth, oral pathology can help us find answers you need.
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