Oral Pathology in Pueblo, CO

What is Oral Pathology?

Each year, roughly 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Detecting this disease and getting treatment early on is crucial in achieving the best prognosis possible. Our skilled oral surgery team recommends that all patients maintain an annual dental appointment. An annual dental appointment often includes an oral cancer screening that could possibly save your life. Our office also highly recommends you schedule a visit with one of our oral specialists if you believe you have a seriously abnormal oral defect. When you visit Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo, we will not only perform a thorough screening, but educate you on how to perform self-examinations at home. Signs and symptoms to look out for include abnormal bumps or sores and persistent red or white patches.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Detecting and treating oral cancer as soon as possible is critical to ensure the safest outcome and long-term health of our patients. Benign and malignant tumors or lesions can develop in the gums, the bottom of the mouth, tongue, soft/hard palates, and on the cheeks. Oral cancer most commonly arises as a white or red patch, non-healing ulcer (sore), cyst, or bump inside or around the mouth. Other signs and symptoms may include unexplained bleeding, swelling, difficulty chewing, sore throat, or feeling like something is in the back of the throat. Certain lifestyle habits and other factors may increase one's risk of acquiring oral cancer such as genetics, HPV (human papillomavirus), tobacco or substance abuse, and overall poor oral hygiene.

How is Oral Pathology Diagnosed?

Prior to any treatment, a thorough oral cancer screening should be conducted by one of our seasoned oral specialists or your general dentist. Once this has been conducted, our team will perform a biopsy to determine your prognosis. From there, we will develop a custom treatment plan. During a biopsy, local anesthesia is used and a small amount of tissue is shaved or removed from the suspicious lesion. Then, the removed area will be sent to by our office to a pathology lab for testing.

Not all abnormal lesions result in oral cancer, but any suspicious sores or bumps should be assessed right away for optimal oral health safety and comfort. This also includes other signs and symptoms such as chronic bleeding, swelling, difficulty chewing, or soreness. During your consultation, we will examine your mouth and identify areas of pain or concern to determine the best treatment plan possible.

What is the Treatment Process?

If the results of your biopsy are abnormal or anything suspicious was found during your oral cancer screening, our team will take digital x-rays and/or a scan (MRI) of the area to better understand your condition. After all your tests are complete, we will review your results with you and discuss all of your treatment options. If oral cancer has been confirmed, we typically recommend surgical excision. The stage and location of the cancerous cells will also determine your treatment. Typically, noncancerous tumors or lesions that are causing great pain or discomfort are also removed with surgical excision. If oral cancer is diagnosed we will promptly refer you to a cancer surgery center for treatment. Other benign lesions will be treated by our oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

What Should I Do After an Oral Biopsy or Lesion Removal?

After the removal, our team will review all Post-Operative Instructions and at-home care routines with you before you are released to go home. It's important to adhere to all the instructions provided by our office to ensure optimal healing and results. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled so we can monitor and review your progress. Maintaining annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings are essential in preserving the long-term health of your smile. Building healthy habits like routine brushing and flossing will also assist in maintaining proper oral health. We also recommend that you receive oral cancer screenings several times a year to ensure the best results possible.

Is Oral Pathology Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Some insurance companies may offer full or partial coverage depending on the provider and your specific plan. Our office’s Insurance Specialist Team will call your insurer to confirm your benefits and determine if there is any coverage available for your oral pathology treatment. Once this is complete, we can calculate your out-of-pocket costs and discuss all of your payment options. We want you to get the quality oral care you deserve, which is why our Pueblo, CO practice offers flexible payment plans and accepts financing through CareCredit® and CredCompare. CredCompare involves a simple application process that performs a soft credit pull with no affect to your credit score. Once submitted for prequalification, CredCompare allows several different financing companies to review your patient profile and to compete for assistance in your healthcare investment.

Specialty Care for Oral Concerns

If you have noticed a suspicious lesion or lingering pain, we invite you to contact Oral Surgery Specialists of Pueblo to schedule a consultation right away. Our skilled specialists are exceptionally trained and experienced in identifying and treating oral cancer and other noncancerous concerns such as painful cysts or sores. Undergoing an oral cancer screening and biopsy can save your life and help improve your overall oral health for positive long-term results. Call our office in Pueblo, CO to schedule your oral cancer screening today.