Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery

Orofacial Infections & Biopsies in Fayetteville

When it comes to good oral health, good preventative care helps you keep your teeth, gums, and jaw as healthy as possible. However, even with the best oral hygiene, dental problems can crop up. In that case, an oral pathologist or oral maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) like ours at Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery offers can screen for oral diseases, their causes, processes, development, and consequences. Put more simply, oral pathology is the branch of healthcare that helps diagnose and treat any condition that causes aches and pains in your mouth through clinical exams, lab testing, and taking whole body health into consideration. Common risk factors for oral diseases include tobacco use, overindulgence in alcohol, poor oral hygiene habits, and genetics. 

Call (479) 364-6889 or contact us online to learn more about orofacial infections and biopsies in Fayetteville.

Comprehensive Overview of Oral Diseases We Address

The main categories of oral pathologies include: 

  • Pain
  • Infections
  • Cancer 
  • Cavities 
  • Gum disease 
  • Tooth loss 

Understanding Biopsies: Key to Your Treatment Plan

During a biopsy, your OMS will remove a piece of suspicious tissue during a minor surgical procedure performed under outpatient anesthetic so you are as comfortable as possible. This tissue will likely be part of the lining of the mouth or the underlying bone while you have local anesthesia. Next, the harvested tissue (the specimen) will be sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to make a diagnosis. The oral pathologist will write up a report and send it to your OMS for review prior to your OMS developing a treatment plan to specifically treat your type of lesion identified in the diagnosis.

Recognizing Oral Pathologies: Signs and Symptoms

Your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems. Don't ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. Should you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery. While performing a self-exam, look for signs such as white or red patches of the oral tissues, sores that fail to heal, abnormal lumps, chronic sore throats or hoarseness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or masses or lumps in the neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of an orofacial infection?

Symptoms of an orofacial infection may include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Swelling of the face, jaw, or neck
  • Redness and tenderness of the gums
  • Fever
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Pus drainage from the affected area

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.

What should I expect during an oral biopsy?

An oral biopsy is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in our office. During the procedure, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. The surgeon will then remove a small sample of tissue and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Most biopsies can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

What are the risk factors for orofacial infections?

Poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, weakened immune system, and certain medical conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of orofacial infections.

How are orofacial infections treated?

Treatment typically involves antibiotics to combat the infection, pain medication, and sometimes surgical drainage of abscesses. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

To learn more about orofacial infections and biopsies in Fayetteville with Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery, please contact us today for a consultation by calling (479) 364-6889 or reach out online for a swift response.