Oral Pathology

When the normally smooth and pink lining of your mouth has any abnormalities, it should be assessed by an oral pathologist to check for diseases or cancers.

Oral Pathology in Birmingham, Alabama

The soft tissues of the mouth are called the mucosa, and when an irregularity is noticed in these tissues, it’s important to have the area evaluated by a dental professional to rule out an oral pathology. The most suitable provider to assess and treat oral pathologies is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As oral surgeons, Dr. Roden and Dr. Alling have special training in the identification and treatment of oral pathologies.

If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, please don’t hesitate to request a consultation appointment for an oral pathology screening at our practice. Your health is very important to us, and we will make every effort to see you in our office as soon as possible.

Biopsy Procedures

During your appointment, if we suspect that you may have an oral pathology, we will likely recommend a biopsy procedure. We offer a wide variety of anesthesia options for your procedure. During your biopsy, the oral surgeon removes a small sample of oral tissue which is then sent to a lab for a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been made, your oral surgeon will talk with you about a proposed treatment plan. Everything will be discussed with you in detail, and any questions you have will be addressed. You can rest assured that our doctors will make every effort to get your mouth back to health quickly.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Pathologies

Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems, so if you notice any change in the normal pink color or smooth texture of the mucosa, you may be developing an oral pathology in your mouth, salivary glands, or jaws. When caught early, oral pathologies are more easily treated, so doing a monthly oral self-exam is a great idea—watch out for unusual lumps or sores, and keep in mind that pain does not always occur with pathologies, particularly in the case of cancer. Don’t worry; most variations in the color and texture of your oral cavity will not be serious, but if you do notice anything out of the ordinary, please schedule an appointment with us.

Oral pathologies range from minor canker sores to more serious issues. If you notice any of the following in your mouth, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with us for an evaluation:

If you have questions about oral pathology screening and treatment at our practice or would like to request a consultation with Drs. Roden or Alling, our staff is here to assist. Please feel free to contact us today.