Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth: ulcerated tissue, white patches of mucosa, red velvety appearing mucosa and pigmented lesions (purple or blackish in color)

In addition, pathologic cysts and tumors can occur in the upper and lower jaw bones. These types of pathologies are often benign but can be destructive and require reconstructive procedures.  Early detection and intervention can help avoid extensive surgical procedures. Certain types of cysts and tumors have a high correlation with impacted teeth and impacted wisdom teeth.  Removal of the wisdom teeth has the added advantage of preventing cysts and tumors that are associated with impacted wisdom teeth.