Have you noticed signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth in your mouth? This could be anything from a whitish patch inside your mouth to an odd lump on your mucosa tissue or chronic sore throat. Don’t let these symptoms go unchecked. Visit the experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery in Gastonia, North Carolina, for a thorough examination and diagnosis. Learn more about our pathology services and schedule an appointment today.

Oral surgeons receive years of training to understand, identify, and treat conditions relating to the mouth, salivary glands, and jaws. When you come to Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery for an evaluation, one of our specialists will provide a comprehensive exam and determine next steps for treatment.

The mucosa is the smooth, pink-colored mucus membrane that lines the inside the mouth. It is a common area for an oral abnormality to occur. Abnormalities may include:

  • Canker sores
  • Fever blisters
  • Mucoceles
  • Fibromas
  • Ulcers
  • Cysts and tumors
  • Oral cancer

It is a good idea to perform a monthly exam of your mouth to familiarize yourself with the way your mouth normally looks and feels, as well as allow you to notice any abnormalities early. When you see a specialist for an evaluation, they will want to know how long you have been experiencing symptoms.

Changes that can occur inside the mouth may include:

  • Red or white patches
  • Sore throat
  • Chronic hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • A sore that does not heal
  • A painful sore

Some abnormalities may require further evaluation with a biopsy. A biopsy is a small tissue sample of the affected area that is evaluated by a pathologist. The information provided by the pathology will help your oral surgeon determine the next steps for treatment. Your oral surgeon will determine if a biopsy is recommended.

There are three main choices for anesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia provides numbness directly where it is administered. It does not affect consciousness, so the patient remains awake while the feelings of discomfort are eliminated. Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor procedures.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that the patient inhales to alleviate feelings of anxiety. It does not cause the patient to lose consciousness. It is often used together with local anesthesia.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is commonly used for moderate to extensive oral or facial surgery procedures. This type of sedation is administered directly into the patient’s vein. Since amnesia (forgetfulness) is a common side effect of the medication, most patients who use IV sedation do not remember their procedure.

Learn More About Anesthesia

If you notice a suspicious growth or lesion in any of your oral or maxillofacial areas, schedule an appointment with the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery in Gastonia, North Carolina. We can take a biopsy to rule out cancer and provide you with the necessary care to optimize your health and well-being. Give us a call at (704) 820-1195.