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Oral Pathology in Temecula Valley & Fallbrook
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. Routine screening of tissues is the best way to identfy early tissue changes and treat problems that may arise.
 Oral pathology is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the oral cavity, jaw, and related structures. Oral pathology plays a crucial role in identifying issues such as oral cancer, cysts, tumors, and lesions, which can affect both soft and hard tissues within the mouth. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further complications and ensure optimal oral health.
Conditions Treated
Our oral pathology services address a wide range of conditions that can affect the soft and hard tissues of the mouth:
Soft Tissue Lesions
These include abnormalities affecting the mucosa, gums, lips, salivary glands, and nerves.
Hard Tissue Lesions
Conditions that affect the bones of the jaw (maxilla and mandible), teeth, or surrounding structures.
Common Pathologies:
Oral cancer
Leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth)
Erythroplakia (red patches)
Cysts, often arising after dental procedures such as root canals or due to impacted wisdom teeth
Autoimmune-related conditions like blisters and burning mouth syndrome
Oral manifestations of systemic diseases, such as Crohn’s disease
Importance of Early Detection
Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes. During your regular dental checkups, we perform thorough oral cancer screenings. The high survival rates associated with early diagnosis make regular exams crucial for maintaining oral health.
Self-Examination Tips
In addition to regular professional checkups, we recommend performing monthly self-exams at home. Here’s how:
- Use a bright light and a mirror.
- Check your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue for any unusual spots or lumps.
- Feel your neck for any enlarged lymph nodes.
- Look for signs such as non-healing sores, red or white patches, and any abnormalities in texture.
If you notice anything unusual, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an oral pathologist right away.
Diagnostic Services
Biopsy and Tissue Analysis
If an abnormality is detected, a biopsy may be performed to remove a small sample of tissue for analysis. Our team of board-certified oral pathologists meticulously examines these samples to diagnose conditions accurately.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
In some cases, further imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may be needed to evaluate the extent of the condition and plan the best course of treatment.
Treatment Planning and Follow-Up
Tailored Treatment Plans
Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment plan. After a thorough diagnosis, our specialists create a customized treatment strategy that may involve surgery or a non-surgical approach, depending on the severity of the condition.
Post-Diagnosis Care
Ongoing care and regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery and adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
When to see an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or even of a cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain, swelling or numbness without an obvious cause or reason should be fully evaluated, in addition to the soft tissues of the mouth such as mucosa and gingiva. The oral and facial structures contain bone and teeth which make up the hard tissue. Various systemic and local conditions can affect and manifest themselves in the hard tissues. These conditions can sometimes be non symptomatical and require advanced radio graphic evaluation. Our practice has a 3-D imaging capabilities to locate and identify lesions that are often not seen on standard examinations.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores, please contact us so we may help. Dr. Krakowiak can help to diagnose and treat most Oral & Maxillofacial and provide you with definitive care only an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon can.
Our Procedure
tep 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a thorough evaluation of your oral health and discuss any concerns you have.
Step 2: Diagnostic Imaging
We perform necessary tests, such as X-rays or biopsies, to accurately diagnose any oral conditions.
Step 3: Biopsy (if necessary)
If we find any suspicious areas, we may recommend a biopsy to analyze tissue samples.
Step 4: Laboratory Analysis
Our skilled pathologists analyze the sample to identify any abnormalities or diseases.
Step 5: Diagnosis Review
Once we receive the lab results, we discuss the findings and what they mean for your health.
Step 6: Treatment Plan
We create a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and health goals.
Step 7: Follow-Up Care
We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
At Lakeshore, we’re here to guide you through every step throughout your entire treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes oral pathology issues?
Issues can be caused by infections, injuries, or abnormal cell growth.
Is a biopsy always necessary?
A biopsy is sometimes needed to determine the cause of suspicious lesions or growths.
How is oral cancer detected?
Oral cancer can be detected through clinical exams, imaging, and biopsies.
What should I do if I have a sore that won’t heal?
If a sore persists for more than two weeks, you should have it evaluated by a professional.
Is oral pathology covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover diagnostic exams and biopsies. We will check with your provider for details of your insurance coverage.
Top-rated Oral Surgeons with Offices in Temecula Valley and Fallbrook
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Our Practice Staff
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Other Questions? We are all here to help and serve your hollistic health needs.
Our caring team and our dedicated doctors are always ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have. We will as a courtesy to you reach out to your insurance and ask them to verify your coverage. We also will coordinate communications with your other aligned providers to help you get the care you need. All our staff is dedicated to ensuring "that you not only have" the best surgical outcome but also the best experience possible.
Our Locations
Murrieta
Fallbrook
