Oral Pathology Treatment in Sugar Land & Katy, TX

Oral cysts can be divided into two primary categories:

• Odontogenic cysts: These are formed from tissues involved in tooth development.
• Non-odontogenic cysts: These are usually associated with facial tissue development.

Cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region can have a profound impact on the rest of the teeth. As cysts expand within the gum tissue or jaw bone, adjacent healthy teeth are at a higher risk of being pushed out of normal alignment. Not only does this movement affect the overall aesthetics of the mouth and smile, but it also increases the likelihood that additional infection may occur as the teeth are more difficult to keep clean.

Cysts within the jaw can also cause bone or tooth root resorption. This increases the probability that a tooth or a section of your jawbone will need to be removed. A bone graft procedure may also be needed to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.

Some small oral cysts, especially those caused by minor trauma or blocked glands, may resolve without treatment. However, many oral cysts do not go away on their own and may continue to grow or become infected over time.

Professional evaluation is important if a cyst becomes painful, interferes with speaking or eating, or doesn’t shrink. In most cases, treatment involves drainage or surgical removal to prevent recurrence. Regular dental exams can help identify and manage cysts early before they cause more significant problems.

Benign oral growths are non-cancerous, typically slow-growing, and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They might include fibromas, papillomas, or mucoceles and often result from irritation, trauma, or infection.

These growths can still cause discomfort or interfere with eating and speaking. However, they are generally not life-threatening.

Malignant growths, such as oral cancers, tend to develop more rapidly, invade surrounding tissues, and may spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. They often present with additional symptoms like pain, bleeding, or non-healing ulcers.

Oral cancer can affect the tongue, lips, gums, and floor of the mouth. Similar to other types of cancer, oral cancer has certain risk factors:

• Using tobacco: Consuming any kind of product with tobacco, such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. This is because the chemicals within tobacco products can destroy the cells in your mouth. 
• Excessive alcohol use: Consuming too much alcohol, especially combined with tobacco, can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Alcohol can cause your body to absorb the carcinogens within tobacco more easily. 
• Prolonged sun exposure: Staying in the sunlight too long can cause damage to your body because of the UV rays. More specifically, you may be at a higher risk of developing lip cancer, especially if you are someone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors. 

A cancerous oral lesion may appear as a persistent sore, lump, or patch that doesn’t heal within two weeks. It may be red, white, or mixed in color and could bleed easily or feel painful.

Some cancerous lesions cause numbness, difficulty chewing, or swelling in the jaw or neck. However, not all lesions are cancerous. They can also be benign or caused by irritation.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a lesion is malignant. If you notice any changes in your mouth that don’t resolve, it’s important to have them evaluated by a dental or medical professional.

Adults should have oral cancer screenings at least once a year during their routine dental exams. Those with certain risk factors – such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, or a history of oral cancer – may benefit from more frequent screenings.

These evaluations are quick and painless. They involve checking for unusual lumps, sores, or color changes in the mouth and throat. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Early warning signs of salivary gland disease can include:

• Swelling or tenderness near the jaw, cheeks, or under the tongue
• Dry mouth
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pus draining into the mouth
• A painful lump
• Symptoms worsening during meals

Salivary gland disorders may result from infections, blockages, or tumors – both benign and malignant. A healthcare provider should evaluate persistent or recurring symptoms. Early detection allows for more treatment options and can help prevent complications like chronic infection or gland damage.

Although oral diseases can cause significant damage to your mouth, there are ways you can prevent them, such as:

• Practicing good dental hygiene
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting your time in the sun
• Eating a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Scheduling routine dental checkups to preserve your oral health and detect potential pathologies

Oral pathology and autoimmune disorders are closely linked because many autoimmune conditions manifest symptoms in the mouth.

Diseases like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and pemphigus vulgaris can cause chronic inflammation, ulcers, dry mouth, and lesions on the oral mucosa. In all these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infections, and complications with eating or speaking.