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Daryl E. Malena DDS
Periodontics |
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Patients
often see periodontists for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of
oral lesions that produce discolored or sore areas. Diagnosis of
these sometimes involves listening to the history and looking at the
lesion. Other times it may involve some testing, taking a surface
scraping or a biopsy.
Some of the common problems we see are simply oral versions of a skin condition that is already being treated by a physician, such as lichen planus. Others are conditions that first appear in the mouth, but can have serious complications elsewhere in the body, such as cicatricial pemphigoid. Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and herpes simplex virus (cold sores) are chronic problems for some patients. While these remain stubborn problems, new medications are regularly introduced and if you have not discussed this with your dentist for some time it is worth bringing it up at your next appointment. Usually we can help. In any case, odd lesions in the mouth need to be taken seriously. Oral cancer is most common among those who use spit tobacco, and those who have a long history of smoking and drinking alcohol. It is one of the more serious varieties of cancer and everyone, whether they have risk factors or not, needs to be regularly screened for it. Ask your dentist and hygienist about it. Select from the topics above, or use the Search feature to find what you are looking for. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. |
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