St. Petersburg Oral Pathology

St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants  FL

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

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  • Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Pathology:

1. What is oral pathology, and why is it important?

Oral pathology is the study and diagnosis of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues. At St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions such as oral cancer, cysts, infections, and other oral diseases to help you maintain optimal oral health.

2. What conditions do you diagnose and treat in oral pathology?

Our team at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Oral cancer (e.g., cancers of the tongue, lips, and mouth)
  • Non-cancerous growths (e.g., cysts, benign tumors)
  • Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., oral ulcers, lichen planus, leukoplakia)
  • Developmental issues (e.g., cleft lip/palate, enamel defects)

3. How do you diagnose oral conditions at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

At St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we use a combination of clinical examination, imaging (like X-rays), and biopsy procedures to diagnose oral conditions. If we detect an abnormality, we may perform a biopsy to gather more information and confirm the diagnosis, especially when we suspect serious conditions like oral cancer.

4. When should I see an oral pathologist at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

It’s important to consult with us if you experience:

  • Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal
  • Unexplained lumps, swelling, or growths in your mouth, jaw, or neck
  • Changes in the color or texture of your mouth or gums
  • Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or opening your mouth
  • Pain or bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t go away

5. What is an oral biopsy, and when would I need one?

An oral biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from an area of concern in your mouth for laboratory analysis. At St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we recommend a biopsy when there are signs of cancer or other abnormalities that need to be definitively diagnosed. We perform the procedure under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort.

6. What should I expect during an oral biopsy at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

During your oral biopsy, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The procedure is quick, and we will remove a small tissue sample for examination. There’s typically little discomfort afterward, but we will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

7. What treatments do you offer for oral pathology conditions?

Treatment plans depend on the condition diagnosed. At St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we offer:

  • Surgical removal of tumors, cysts, and abnormal growths
  • Medication or topical treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions
  • Coordinated care for oral cancers, including referrals for radiation or chemotherapy if needed
  • Monitoring and follow-up care for benign conditions that need ongoing observation

8. Can you treat oral diseases directly at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

Yes, we can directly treat many oral diseases, particularly those requiring surgical intervention. For conditions that may require specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment, we collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

9. Is oral pathology only about diagnosing cancer?

No, oral pathology encompasses a wide range of conditions beyond cancer. While we do focus on detecting and diagnosing oral cancers, we also specialize in identifying benign growths, infections, ulcers, and developmental disorders to help maintain the overall health of your mouth and jaw.

10. How can I prevent oral diseases?

Preventive care is key to maintaining oral health. We recommend:

  • Regular visits to your dentist and oral surgeon for checkups and screenings
  • Proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing daily
  • Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption
  • Wearing a mouthguard during sports to protect against injury
  • Eating a balanced diet to support healthy teeth and gums

11. Can oral pathology help with chronic conditions like dry mouth or TMJ disorders?

Yes, we can help diagnose and offer guidance on managing conditions like dry mouth (xerostomia) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. While treatment may vary, we can work with you to identify the root cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

12. How long does it take to get biopsy results?

Biopsy results typically take around 3 to 7 business days. Once your results are available, we’ll contact you to discuss the findings and outline the next steps for your care.

13. Is oral pathology covered by insurance at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

Oral pathology services are typically covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary. Our office works with various insurance providers, and we can help verify your coverage. Please feel free to contact us for more information about your specific plan.

14. How do I schedule an appointment with an oral pathologist at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants?

Scheduling an appointment is easy! You can call our office or fill out our to request an appointment. If your dentist or physician referred you to us, please let us know so we can coordinate your care accordingly.

St. Petersburg Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

5 out of 5 stars based on 5 Oral Pathology reviews

Patient Review By Jeanette P

Highly recommend this practice! From the moment you walk into this beautifully appointed office, and greeted by the amazing staff -you feel you will be well cared for and attended. Dr. Fort is very professional and knowledgeable. His positive and calming manner, and explanation of treatment, put you at ease. Glad I met this "A Team" at St. Petersburg Oral Surgery!

- Jeanette P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By ANGELA H

Dr. Forts assistant Tasha as well as other office staff were incredible . The office had a minor delay from a previous procedure , they some technical issue with lights in one of their exam rooms ,New staff member , and a couple call outs for that day. Despite all of that you would have never thought any of the above was going on . I only knew of the above mentioned as we were making small talk as she was prepping me for my procedure and waiting for Dr. Fort. She was warm. friendly, had a positive attitude. she was not rushing around like a chicken w/ its head cut off, although In her head she may have been. The entire office appeared to being running smooth and efficiently despite everything. I work in the medical field myself so I know the kind of day they truly were having and yet you could not tell at all. It takes a special kind of person (Tasha) and staff to provide the care you guys did on this day .Also very appreciative to have received a phone call from Dr. Fort himself that evening to check up on me and even though I missed his call he left a message . Dr. Fort and his staff are incredible . I'm so thankful .

- ANGELA H

5 out of 5 stars on