Oral Pathology

Dr. Plant can perform an examination in order to determine if there are cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions in your mouth. When oral cancer is identified in the early stages, there is a greater chance of successful treatment. Serious oral health complications do not always present obvious symptoms, so the proper screenings are very important.

Patients at elevated risk of developing oral cancer are those who use tobacco products, drink alcohol regularly, experience significant sun exposure, or who have had a previous cancer diagnosis. Oral cancer can also develop even when elevated risk factors are not present. It is important for adults to undergo regular oral cancer screenings, usually during every six-month checkup with their general dentist.

When an oral cancer screening reveals an unusual sore or lesion, Dr. Plant can order additional tests. Cancer screening alone cannot detect if a lesion is cancerous. Proper diagnosis requires a biopsy, in which tissue is collected with an incision and removal method under local or general anesthesia.

Dr. Plant can remove benign lesions, tumors, and cysts, as well as blocked salivary glands of the lips known as mucoceles. These procedures are performed in conjunction with local or general anesthesia in order to provide the patient with a comfortable surgical experience.