Introduction to Oral Pathology

The head and neck and especially the oral cavity have more complex anatomy than any other area of the body and is susceptible to more pathology. The variety of pathologic conditions that occur in this area is astounding.

The types of lesions that can occur can be grouped in many ways. One important way to think about these is in 3 groups:

90% or more of the lesions that occur in the head and neck are benign. This includes skin, deep soft tissues, and bone lesions. These require only minor procedures or none at all. The other small percentage that represents the destructive, aggressive and malignant lesions, however, guides much of what we do when evaluating and treating all lesions. This is because we want to make sure the lesion is benign. We want to “rule out” one of the dangerous ones. So whenever a patient finds something like a lump, a bump, an ulcer or notice any kind of change in sensation, voice, etc., it should be investigated.

One important modality of evaluation or screening for lesions is a panoramic x-ray. Every child should have a panoramic x-ray around the age of 10 and another one around the age of 15 and then every five years thereafter. Age 6 – 18 years is a critical time in the development of the teeth and jaws.

A panoramic x-ray allows evaluation for proper eruption of teeth, for impacted teeth and to look for bone pathology in the jaws. Because the teeth form in the jaws and because of the way the face forms embryonically the jaws and facial bones are more likely to have pathologic lesions than any other bone in the body. It is important to note that most of the time lesions in the bone are not able to be felt by the patient. That is why an x-ray is important.

It is a good idea to do a self-exam by looking in the mirror at your mouth. Look at all the teeth and gums and soft tissues. Anything unusual should be evaluated by your dentist or our doctors. Don’t be surprised if your dentist sends you for further evaluation by our team for something that seems harmless. Most likely it is harmless. In spite of this, it is not worth taking the risk of it being something harmful.

Soft Tissue 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:

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, floor of mouth, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

It is recommended to perform 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 or patches. Please contact us so we may help.

Hard Tissue Oral Pathology (Tumors and Cysts of the Jaws and Facial Bones)

Of all the bones in the body, the jaws are more likely to develop tumors or cysts. This is due to the complex embryonic development of the facial and jaw bones and because the teeth develop within the jaw bones.

Cysts and tumors of the jaws are not always evident on physical exam. Most cysts and tumors are diagnosed with x-rays.

Our facility is equipped with high tech radiographic imaging machines that can produce many different x-ray images to help diagnose such lesions.

It is advisable to have an orthopantomogram (Panoramic jaw x-ray) to view the jaws in the teen years and then again in each decade of life.

Our team is specially trained to remove hard and soft tissue lesions of the face and to reconstruct the area if needed.

WHY Reynolds oral and facial surgery?

Reynolds Oral and Facial Surgery is one of the best oral and facial surgery teams around. With more than 20 years of experience and extensive training, we know what it takes to make sure your procedure runs smoothly. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Gresehover have a keen eye for detail and strive to make sure to answer any questions you may have. Our team understands that medical procedures can be very nerve-racking experiences which is why we make sure you are comfortable and have the best experience possible. We also invest heavily in the most advanced surgical technology available ensuring you get the best results possible. 

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