Oral Pathology

The appearance, feel, and function of your mouth can change over time. While many changes are harmless, it is important to have any noticeable changes evaluated by a qualified dental health professional. Oral diseases, including oral cancer, should be treated promptly.

Dr. Holtzen, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is trained to detect and manage oral diseases. If you have noticed any changes in or around your mouth, please contact our office to schedule an oral health evaluation.

Signs & Symptoms

Oral changes often present with minimal or no symptoms, making them easy to overlook. Regular dental checkups include an oral health evaluation, so it is crucial to keep these appointments.

However, pathological processes can occur at any time, and early detection and treatment are essential. We recommend performing a monthly self-exam of your mouth. Take a minute or two to check your tongue, cheeks, gums, the roof of your mouth, and the lymph nodes under your jaw. Regular self-exams will help you become familiar with your mouth's normal appearance, making it easier to identify any changes. If you notice a change, please make an appointment with us immediately.

Common signs and symptoms of oral pathology include:

• Non-healing or easily bleeding sores
• Red or white patches
• Lumps or thickening of tissue in the mouth
• Neck lumps
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Persistent hoarse voice or sore throat
• Numbness

If you notice any changes in your mouth, please contact our office for an evaluation.

Treatment for Oral Disease

At Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery, we develop customized treatment plans for each patient. To determine the appropriate course of treatment for oral pathology, your surgeon will discuss your concerns, review your medical history, and perform an oral evaluation. In some cases, 3D scans may be taken.

If a biopsy is necessary, a small tissue sample will be collected and sent to a lab for further examination and diagnosis. Local anesthesia will be used to ensure your comfort during this minimally invasive procedure. Your oral surgeon will create a treatment plan based on the pathologist's findings.

For non-cancerous (benign) findings, recommendations may include creams, medications, mouth rinses, or removal of the growth. If the finding is cancerous, medications, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery may be recommended. Once your detailed treatment plan is created, your oral surgeon will review it with you and answer any questions you may have.