What Does Oral Pathology Consist Of?
When the upper and lower jaws develop, several oral pathology lesions can occur. The severity of oral pathology lesions can vary from small collections of fibrous connective tissue, right through to cysts and tumors, or even oral cancer. Your family dentist is trained to routinely perform oral examinations to detect oral pathology in the initial stages. The earlier an oral pathology is identified, the easier it is to treat. Oral pathology lesions often exist without causing any significant pain, so routine examination is important as well as a panoramic x-ray at least every three to five years. This will identify bony pathologies so that treatment can be planned.
At Four Corners Oral Surgery, we are the preferred choice for referring dentists when oral pathology is identified. With an in-office biopsy, we take samples for analysis in an oral pathologist laboratory. An oral pathologist examines samples using a microscope. With the biopsy result, our evaluation of your medical history, and a detailed oral examination, we can make an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment planning and the best possible outcome.
Oral Mucosa
Your mouth is lined with a unique type of skin known as the mucosa. It’s soft, smooth, and pink in appearance. Changes in the mucosa like the appearance of oral mucoceles (lumps) can indicate that oral pathology screening is necessary. The most severe type of problem with mucosa is oral cancer.
There are signs and symptoms to look for that can identify problems with the mucosa:
- Darker reddish patches ( known as erythroplakia) and whitish patches (known as leukoplakia) in your mouth.
- A lingering sore on your gums that doesn’t respond to typical treatment in two weeks. Bleeding may also be present.
- Any sign of lumps or thickening skin inside of the mouth.
The changes in your mouth can occur around the cheeks, lips, palate, tongue, and gum tissues. Unlike many other conditions, oral pathology is often painless. Pain isn’t a typical indicator of oral cancer.
What are Oral Mucoceles and how is Mucocele Removal Performed?
Oral mucoceles are often benign. Filled with mucus, these lesions are related to the minor salivary gland. Oral mucoceles can vary in both their size and their colour. Because mucoceles are most often non-cancerous, oral mucocele removal can be performed without the need for a previous biopsy and analysis by an oral pathologist in many cases can be reserved for after the lesion has been removed.
Our experienced surgeons will determine whether oral mucocele removal will require long term follow-up. A detailed laboratory investigation with an oral pathologist is necessary and will help guide further treatment. We will take the time to understand your clinical history, current health, and any symptoms that you have experienced.
Oral mucocele removal is a relatively straightforward process. Surgical oral mucocele removal is quick and dissolvable sutures will be used to close the wound (depending on the size of the oral mucocele).
Recovery after oral mucocele removal is around 2-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions – Oral Pathology Treatment
Discovering a bump or lump in your mouth can be concerning. Our surgeons are here to ensure that you are fully informed throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. We care about your comfort and peace of mind. For your quick reference, here are answers to some of the most common questions that our patients ask about oral pathology.
- Does mucocele removal hurt? Mucocele removal is a routine procedure and your comfort will be ensured. A general anesthetic is used to keep you asleep and comfortable while we remove the cyst.
- Does every case get sent to an oral pathologist? Your oral surgeon is experienced in identifying the different types of oral pathology. Samples are sent to an oral pathologist for analysis to help obtain a final diagnosis and guide if any further treatment is needed.
- How Long Does Surgery Take? Mucocele removal is considered a day-surgery meaning you will be in and out of the office on the same day. Mucocele removal can normally be done in less than an hour.
- Are mucoceles cancerous? In most cases, mucoceles are non-cancerous but an oral pathologist will look at the sample to ensure that a benign diagnosis is confirmed.
You’re in great hands with Four Corners Oral Surgery. From the moment your consultation begins, you’ll be given all of the information needed to help you relax and understand the procedure. We have the best surgeons and access to world-class facilities in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Treatment Plan
Treatment plans vary based on the type and size of a lesion, as well as the surgeon’s and oral pathologist’s prognosis. Our office is fully equipped for standard surgical procedures; more complex surgeries may be performed in a hospital setting. Our surgeons at Four Corners have hospital privileges at Brampton Civic Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital (William Osler Health System), as well as Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto.
If you or your dentist are concerned about a lesion in your mouth, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation for oral pathology.
Trusted Local Oral Surgeon in Brampton
Patient Testimonials
“I recently had some oral surgery and just wanted to comment on how incredible each and every staff member was — from both the medical team as well as the staff at the front desk…. I was understandably nervous, but every person there made me feel calm, safe and relaxed…… thank you to each and every one of you!!! You’re the best!!!”
- – Karen
“I was out of Dr. Mascarenhas’s chair in approximately ten minutes, without pain.
I highly recommend him as one of the best Oral surgeons to consider.”
- – Derek
“My son had complex oral surgery and Dr. Omura’s job was outstanding, in fact my son was eating solids in 3 days.
The staff is extremely friendly, polite, caring and very helpful.
The assistant & nurse were great, compassionate and helped me get my 6’2 son into my car without hesitation.
Their Covid-19 safety protocols are impeccable. They take your temperature, questionnaire, give you a new mask. I felt so safe and at peace. Thank you for everything.”
- – Alejandra
“Highly recommend. The team is amazing. Little to no after-effects after my implant surgery.
I was nervous coming in, but the staff put at ease and the surgery went flawlessly!”
- – Beryl
“Dr. Mascarenhas performed a wisdom teeth extraction on all four of my wisdom teeth. The entire experience from start to finish to finish was nothing shy of wonderful. As a very nervous patient, all staff were kind, patient, and understanding. I would highly recommend this office to any patient looking for an oral surgeon.”
- – Graydon
“I came in for a consult and had my x-rays taken as part of it. I was very impressed with the technology and equipment Four Corners had. The assistant pulled up my x-rays immediately on the screen and Dr. Mascarenhas was able to walk me through my treatment plan right away. I am looking forward to my procedure next month, as the staff and surgeon were very welcoming and professional.”
- – Jeremy
“I came in to see Dr. Mascarenhas for 2 dental extractions. I was so pleased with how the procedure went and that my recovery was fast and seamless – I went back to work the next day. This was an exceptional experience for me as I had gotten another tooth extracted at a different office about 3 years ago, and it hurt me for 3-4 months after; Dr. Mascarenhas’ work was flawless! I’m very thankful for the staff’s experience and professionalism.”
- – Delford