Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology

Patients are generally referred for oral pathology and microbiology examinations and treatments by general dentists. The mucosa in the mouth is generally smooth in texture and a coral pink in colour. Changes in the texture or colour of the mucosa could indicate the existence of an oral disease. Lesions such as ulcers or bumps in the oral cavity identified by the oral pathologist undergo a thorough review after considering the patient’s history of the lesion, medical history, medications and supplements, social history and allergies. The oral pathologist and surgeon will together decide whether the lesion requires monitoring, medical management or performing a biopsy for histopathological evaluation.

Small children as well as teenagers manifest a variety of oral lesions including hard and soft tissue lesions of the oral & maxillofacial region, particularly in the oral cavity of neonates. There are a few conditions specific to pediatric patients that must be considered before embarking on a treatment plan. Children have developing tooth follicles, so it is important to ensure that they do not get injured during surgery of the maxilla and mandible.