A Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is an ideal specialist to examine and diagnose any abnormality in or around the mouth. Abnormalities can include:
- Any changes in skin color
- The presence of sores
- Thickening of the skin inside the mouth
- Discomfort
- Chronic sore or dry throat
Most often, these abnormalities do not seriously affect your health and may be easily treated. However, in some cases, they may be indicative of more serious health issues such as oral cancer. It is important that if you detect any changes in the appearance of your mouth or gum tissue.
Oral pathology screenings normally take place during routine dental visits. The oral cavity is inspected, and X-rays are examined for tumors or cysts within the hard tissues. A biopsy or X-ray may be taken if symptoms appear to more accurately diagnose the issue.
When examining your mouth for abnormalities, the oral surgeon will inspect the soft tissues, including the consistency of the skin in your mouth, lesions, bumps, or complaints that you may have. To locate tumors or cysts that are not obvious to a visual inspection within the hard tissues, X-rays will be taken.