Oral Pathology

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Oral Pathology

Oral Pathology in Chattanooga, TN

The inside of your mouth is lined with unique skin called mucosa – smooth, pinkish, and specialized. Any change in the way it looks could be your first warning that an oral pathology is developing. The most serious oral pathology is oral cancer.

Signs to Watch For

These conditions can indicate that an oral pathology or cancerous growth is in its early stages:

Red or white patches in the mouth
A slow-healing sore that may bleed easily
A lump or thickening of the skin lining the mouth
Persistent sore throat or hoarse voice that isn’t cold-related
Difficulty chewing or swallowing

These changes may appear on your lips, cheeks, palate, or the gums around your teeth. In addition, they can show up on tongue, face, or neck.

Oral pathologies don’t always bring pain. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain that doesn’t have an explainable reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

Why Oral Pathology Matters

Oral pathology is the dental specialty that deals with diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. At Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, we take any signs of abnormal tissue seriously and encourage early evaluation. Oral cancer and other serious conditions often begin with slight changes that only the eye of a trained oral surgeon can spot.

If you’re experiencing changes in your oral tissue – even if they seem minor – our team can help. We provide thorough oral cancer screenings and tissue evaluations using the latest imaging and diagnostic methods.

How Oral Abnormalities Are Diagnosed

When you visit us for an oral pathology consultation, our team will begin with a detailed visual and tactile examination. If something suspicious is found, we may recommend advanced imaging or a biopsy. These options would allow us to diagnose potentially cancerous or precancerous lesions early, when they are most treatable.

Most abnormalities turn out to be benign. However, ruling out serious conditions is always better than delaying care.

Don’t Wait for Pain

Many oral cancers begin painlessly. For that reason, we always emphasize how important regular self-exams and dental checkups are. Just because an area isn’t painful doesn’t mean it’s not serious. A sore that doesn’t heal in two weeks, or changes in the color or texture of your mouth’s lining, should always be checked.

Even if you wear dentures or no longer have teeth, you are still at risk for oral cancer.

Do a Monthly Self-Check

We recommend that all adults perform a monthly oral cancer self-exam. Use a mirror and good lighting. Look at all areas inside your mouth – even under your tongue and inside the cheek walls. Feel for lumps or thick spots. Your mouth is finely calibrated to be a healthy oral environment. So, if anything seems off, pay attention. If you notice something unusual, don’t wait – call our office for an appointment.

Schedule an Oral Pathology Consultation in Chattanooga

If you’ve noticed changes in your mouth or face – even if they seem small – schedule a consultation today. Dr. Childress and Dr. Johnson specialize in oral pathology treatment in Chattanooga and can provide answers and peace of mind. We’ll walk you through every step, from screening to biopsy if needed.

Early detection may save your life! We’re ready to help protect your health.

Schedule Your Consultation