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.

Dr. Krochmal recommends that everyone perform an oral cancer self-examination once a month because the mouth is one of the body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.

The following can be the beginning signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches or whitish patches in the mouth.
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
• A lump or thickening on the skin that lines the inside of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Most importantly, pain does not always occur with pathology and 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.

Our oral pathology patients benefit from:

• Comfort during surgery through the use of several anesthesia options including nitrous oxide analgesia and intravenous anesthesia.
• An experienced surgical team of professionals who are committed to making your experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
• The highest standards of instrument sterilization and autoclave monitoring.

If you are in need of dental care that requires Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Implants, please call us at (757) 440-7777. Thank you.