Oral Pathology
Pathology of the Mouth, Jaws, Face, and Neck
Lumps, bumps, sores, ulcers, red or white patches, or changes in the mucosa of the jaws, lips, mouth, or tongue should be investigated to exclude the possibility of oral cancer.
The condition of your gums and lips should be checked by your dentist at your annual dental check-up. If your dentist has any concerns, you may be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for an opinion. Your surgeon may request several investigations including X-rays, scans, and blood tests. You will likely require a biopsy where a sample is removed and sent to the lab to be analysed under a microscope. Depending on the diagnosis received from the lab, further investigations and surgery may be required.
Procedure
Dental extractions are usually straightforward and can be performed while the individual is awake using local anesthetic injections. Some teeth are more difficult to remove and will involve cutting the gum and using a surgical drill to get the tooth out, then stitching the gum back in place.
This is known as a surgical extraction. If having a surgical extraction, multiple teeth removed, or if dental phobic, your surgeon may recommend a general anesthetic, or sedation (twilight sleep) for the procedure.
Downtime
Dental extractions are usually straightforward and can be performed while the individual is awake using local anesthetic injections. Some teeth are more difficult to remove and will involve cutting the gum and using a surgical drill to get the tooth out, then stitching the gum back in place.
This is known as a surgical extraction. If having a surgical extraction, multiple teeth removed, or if dental phobic, your surgeon may recommend a general anesthetic, or sedation (twilight sleep) for the procedure.
