Our mouths are lined with a special type of tissue (a.k.a. mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color due to the large amount of blood supply it holds. During most routine dental exams, your dentist will examine your mucosa to make sure the appearance looks normal. Any changes in this appearance could be a sign of pathology (disease). The most serious of these is oral cancer.
Possible signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth include:
Changes from oral pathology can be found in the lips, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with oral pathology and is not always associated with oral cancer which is why routine exams are so important.
Here at Front Range Oral Surgery we recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Performing a self-exam is as simple as looking in the mirror, examining the insides of the cheek, the roof of your mouth and under your tongue. Additionally, it is important to maintain routine dental cleaning for a professional examination so even small areas of oral surgery are not missed.
Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Call us at Front Range Oral Surgery or your dentist if you notice or feel anything abnormal inside your mouth or on your lips.
Do you have signs of oral pathology? Do not delay in getting in to see your dentist or schedule a consultation with Dr. Hinckley at either our Oral Surgery office in Wheatridge or Dacono, Colorado. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form so Dr. Hinckley and our team can discuss your situation and find the best solution for your condition.
Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.