Abnormalities may include anything from canker sores and mucoceles to cysts and oral cancer. It is a good idea to familarize yourself with the way your mouth normally looks and feels, as this will allow you to notice any abnormalities early. While many oral abnormalities are benign, if you suspect that you may have a problem in your mouth, don't wait to get it checked out.
Oral Pathology
Signs of Oral & Maxillofacial Disease
When the mucosa (pink-colored tissue that lines the inside of the mouth) and gums are healthy, they are smooth and pink in color with stippling of the tissue immediately surrounding your teeth. If you are experiencing any of the following changes to your cheeks, lips, neck, tongue, palate, or gums, further examination is often necessary:
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White and red patches in the mouth
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A lump or thickening of the gum tissue
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Difficulty chewing or swallowing
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A sore throat that won’t go away
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Rasping throat
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Sores inside the mouth that bleed easily or fail to heal
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It is important to note that pain may or may not be present with the above symptoms and that the above symptoms do not represent a comprehensive list of reasons for which to have an area of abnormal tissue evaluated.
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Some abnormalities may require further evaluation with a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a lesion, or piece of a lesion, surgically; this is typically a quick procedure. The biopsy will be sent to a laboratory to be evaluated by a pathologist. The results of the biopsy will help determine the next steps for treatment.
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Biopsies
There are three main choices for anesthesia:
Local Anesthesia
Nitrous Oxide
IV Sedation
Local Anesthesia provides numbness directly to where it is administered, so feelings of pain are eliminated. It does not affect consciousness, so the patient remains awake.
Otherwise known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a mild gas that is inhaled with oxygen to alleviate feelings of anxiety. It does not cause loss of consciousness and is paired with local anesthesia for your comfort.
This type of anesthesia is administered directly into the patient's vein. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is a common side effect of the medication and most patients who receive IV sedation do not remember their procedure.