What Is an Oral Pathology Exam?

One of the most important aspects of a beautiful smile is good oral health. When you flash your pearly whites, you want them to dazzle. This is why people spend lots of money on dental care and treatments. Some people would spend and do anything to get the perfect smile.

 

Unfortunately, many people do not think about everything that is going on in their mouths behind the scenes. This is especially true when it comes to gum health. Did you know that unhealthy gums can cause a myriad of health problems?

 

Some of these problems include pregnancy complications, diabetes, and even heart disease. Some studies connect gum disease with conditions such as menstrual problems, obesity, osteoporosis, and more.

 

Dental Specialties

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards recognizes 12 dental specialties. That is quite a long list. Let us focus on the specialty of oral pathology examinations.

 

What Is Oral Pathology?

This is the study, identification, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions. These include diseases of the gums, teeth, glands, bones, muscles, and skin around the mouth. To become an expert in oral pathology, oral pathologists require at least three years of advanced education. This is according to the American Dental Education Association.

 

Oral Pathology Exam

This examination involves the assessment and diagnosis of oral diseases, such as cysts, cancerous and precancerous lesions, tumors, and more. Like most people, sometimes, you probably experience some unusual changes in your throat, tongue, teeth, gums, and mouth.

 

Some of these changes may stem from certain diseases or conditions. It is important to identify and diagnose oral conditions as early as possible to allow for faster and more effective treatment.

 

Something to Consider

Most people have a somewhat good idea of what oral health means. However, not many of them know what oral pathology means. In a certain way, oral pathology is the opposite of oral health. It is any injury, abnormality, or disease of the oral cavity.

 

This includes perioral skin, tongue, teeth, gums, saliva glands, mucosa, jaws, or facial joints and muscles. Essentially, it is any problem or condition affecting the entire mouth, as well as adjacent areas of the neck and head.

 

Signs of Oral Pathology

The mouth is one of the most accessible organs of your body. This is why it is relatively easy to stop symptoms of oral pathology. However, identifying the exact problem may require you to consult an oral pathologist. He or she will conduct an oral pathology exam, which may involve the taking of a biopsy sample.

 

If caught early enough, even the worst oral pathology conditions are treatable. A good oral pathologist can treat oral conditions such as benign tumors and gum disease with relative ease. An oral pathology exam will help you get the right diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. Early treatment will prevent further oral health complications.


 

To learn more about an oral pathology exam, visit Oral Surgical Associates at our offices in Missoula and Hamilton, Montana. You can call (406) 282-8768 today to schedule an appointment.