Our Summary

This research paper discusses the various types of mouth sores, which are surprisingly common and can range from harmless to very dangerous cancerous growths. To treat all patients effectively, it’s crucial to have a detailed medical history and to conduct a thorough physical examination. In some cases, X-rays or other lab tests may be needed to narrow down the possible causes. To really confirm the cause so that a treatment plan can be developed, a tissue sample examination (biopsy) or complete removal of the sore might be necessary.

FAQs

  1. What are the necessary steps taken for the management of oral lesions?
  2. How is a definitive diagnosis of oral lesions usually confirmed?
  3. Are radiographs and other laboratory investigations necessary in diagnosing oral lesions?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding. It is also important to inform the surgeon of any medical conditions or medications the patient is taking, as this can affect the surgery and recovery process. Following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed pain medication and maintaining good oral hygiene, is essential for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted teeth: Teeth that are unable to fully erupt through the gum due to being blocked by other teeth or bone.

  2. Wisdom teeth: Third molars that may be impacted, causing pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth.

  3. Dental implants: Surgical placement of artificial tooth roots to support dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

  4. Tooth extraction: Removal of severely damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be saved with other treatments.

  5. Jaw misalignment: Surgical correction of jaw abnormalities such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite.

  6. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Surgical intervention for severe cases of TMJ dysfunction that do not respond to conservative treatments.

  7. Oral lesions or tumors: Surgical removal of benign or malignant growths in the mouth, including cysts, polyps, or cancerous tumors.

  8. Facial trauma: Repair of facial fractures or injuries to the jaw, teeth, or soft tissues of the face.

  9. Sleep apnea: Surgical procedures to treat obstructive sleep apnea by removing excess tissue in the throat or repositioning the jaw.

  10. Cleft lip and palate: Surgical correction of congenital birth defects that affect the lip and/or roof of the mouth.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessment to evaluate the patient’s overall health and determine any potential risks or complications.
  3. Consent process, where the patient signs a form agreeing to the surgery and acknowledging the risks involved.
  4. Pre-operative instructions, including fasting before surgery and any medications to avoid.
  5. Anesthesia administration to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

After oral surgery:

  1. Post-operative care instructions, including information on pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
  2. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures if necessary.
  3. Pain management medications to alleviate any discomfort and promote healing.
  4. Dietary modifications to ensure proper nutrition and facilitate healing of the surgical site.
  5. Rehabilitation exercises or therapy to regain function and strength in the affected area, if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific diagnosis of my oral lesion and what are the potential treatment options?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of the recommended surgical procedure?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what is the recovery time?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive options available?
  5. What are the potential complications or side effects of the surgery?
  6. Will I need any special care or follow-up after the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of oral surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential risks?
  10. How much will the surgery cost and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Hill CM, Devine M, Renton T. Journal: Br Dent J. 2017 Nov 24;223(10):769-779. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.985. PMID: 29171514