Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being, so recognizing the early signs of oral conditions is crucial to maintaining your health and preventing serious complications. Oral pathology refers to any issue affecting the mouth and surrounding areas, including common problems like tooth decay and gum disease and more serious concerns such as benign and malignant lesions.
Dr. Ali Alijanian, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, brings extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions of the mouth, jaws, gums, tongue, lips, and salivary glands. At Ali Alijanian, DDS in Walnut Creek, CA, we encourage patients to perform a monthly oral cancer self-exam, as your mouth can be an early indicator of health issues that may affect the rest of your body.
Benign lesions in soft and hard tissues can develop gradually over time, often without noticeable symptoms, making them easy to overlook until discovered incidentally. Malignant soft tissue lesions, on the other hand, may present with ulceration and can develop more quickly, sometimes in just a few weeks to months.
Hard tissue cancers tend to appear more suddenly and may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation, along with changes to the bone, like a patchy, mottled look. If you notice any unusual changes, even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, it’s always better to be safe and schedule a consultation at our Walnut Creek, CA practice.
Hard tissue conditions affect the teeth, jawbones, and other bone structures in the mouth and face. These can include issues like tooth decay, jaw tumors, benign growths, and fractures. Lesions in the lower (mandibular) and upper (maxillary) jawbones are more frequently seen, while lesions in the temporomandibular joint are less common.
One of the most challenging conditions to treat is a lesion near the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. Malignant growths in the jawbone can either develop directly from the bone itself or spread from other parts of the body, such as the breast, prostate, kidney, or lungs.
The inside of your mouth is lined with a unique, smooth tissue called mucosa, which typically appears coral pink. Any change in its color or texture could indicate an underlying health issue, including benign lesions or oral cancer.
Soft tissue conditions can impact gums, tongue, cheeks, lips, palate, and salivary glands. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant lesion found in the mouth. Fortunately, most soft tissue biopsies can be safely conducted in our office under local anesthesia, allowing for the complete removal of the lesion for further examination.
Oral pathology plays a critical role in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, and early detection is essential for developing effective treatment plans that lead to the best outcomes. Dr. Alijanian brings extensive expertise in oral anatomy and a wealth of experience in diagnosing and treating various pathologies. With decades of hands-on experience, he is well-versed in performing biopsies and surgical procedures for various oral health issues.
When you visit Ali Alijanian, DDS, for a consultation, Dr. Alijanian will carefully review your medical history, conduct a detailed clinical and radiographic exam, and analyze any necessary lab results to guide the next steps in your treatment. If you need precise care for oral pathologies in Walnut Creek, CA, you can trust our team at Ali Alijanian, DDS, to deliver the highest standard of care.
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