Oral Pathology in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we offer comprehensive oral pathology screenings to identify and diagnose abnormalities in the mouth, gums, and throat.

If you notice unusual sores, lumps, or changes in your oral tissues, scheduling an oral pathology exam is the first step in protecting your health.

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaw, and related structures. These conditions can range from benign (harmless) growths to serious concerns like oral cancer.

Regular oral pathology exams help detect:

• Oral cancer & precancerous lesions
• Cysts or tumors in the jaw or soft tissues
• Non-healing sores or ulcers
• Chronic infections & inflammation
• Autoimmune disorders affecting the mouth

If an abnormality is found, early intervention increases treatment success and prevents disease progression.

Signs & Symptoms of Oral Diseases

You should schedule an oral pathology exam if you notice:

• Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks.
• Red or white patches inside the mouth or on the gums.
• Lumps, bumps, or swelling in the jaw, gums, or throat.
• Chronic hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
• Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth.
• Pain or discomfort that doesn’t resolve with standard treatment.

Many oral conditions start small but worsen over time—early detection is key to preventing more serious complications.

Common Oral Pathology Conditions

1. Oral Cancer & Pre-Cancerous Lesions

• Early-stage oral cancer may appear as a painless sore or discoloration.
• Routine VELscope® oral cancer screenings help detect abnormalities early.

2. Cysts & Benign Tumors

• Fluid-filled cysts or non-cancerous growths can form in the jawbone or gums.
• Some may require surgical removal if they affect function or cause discomfort.

3. Leukoplakia & Erythroplakia (Pre-Cancerous Lesions)

• Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches inside the mouth.
• Erythroplakia presents as red patches and has a higher risk of cancerous transformation.

4. Oral Thrush & Fungal Infections

• Caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, common in dentures wearers and immune-compromised individuals.
• Presents as creamy white patches inside the mouth.

5. Lichen Planus & Autoimmune Disorders

• Chronic inflammatory conditions that cause painful red or white lesions on the gums and cheeks.
• May be linked to immune system dysfunction and requires ongoing management.

6. Chronic Non-Healing Ulcers

• Sores that persist for more than two weeks could indicate an underlying medical condition.
• Common causes include trauma, infections, or systemic diseases.

How Is an Oral Pathology Exam Performed?

Oral pathology exams are quick, painless, and can be life-saving.

Step 1: Visual & Physical Examination

• A thorough inspection of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat.
• We check for discoloration, swelling, lumps, or sores.

Step 2: VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening (If Needed)

• A non-invasive light system that highlights abnormal tissue changes.
• Enhances detection of early-stage oral cancer or precancerous lesions.

Step 3: Biopsy (If Necessary)

• If an abnormal growth or lesion is found, a small tissue sample is taken for lab testing.
• The biopsy helps confirm if the condition is benign, precancerous, or cancerous.

Step 4: Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

• If further treatment is needed, we coordinate with oral surgeons, oncologists, or specialists as necessary.

Preventing Oral Health Issues

While some conditions are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Scheduling routine dental checkups for early detection.
• Avoiding tobacco & excessive alcohol use, which increase oral cancer risk.
• Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infections.
• Wearing properly fitted dentures to avoid irritation and sores.
• Eating a healthy diet to support immune function and oral tissue health.

If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, don’t ignore them—early diagnosis saves lives.