April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of this disease. Oral cancer can affect the mouth or throat, and early detection is key to improving the prognosis.

Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:

~A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
~A lump or thickening in the cheek
~White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
~Difficulty swallowing or chewing
~Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
~Persistent earache

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an evaluation. Remember, early detection can save lives!

Oral cancer is a disease that affects the tissues of the mouth or throat.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,010 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, and 10,850 deaths are expected from this disease. Oral cancer is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Because of this, with early detection and treatment, the prognosis can be improved. This is where oral and maxillofacial surgeons come in. They play an important role in diagnosing and treating oral cancer, and helping patients to get their smiles back.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to the mouth, teeth, and facial regions. They are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. This is why they are an essential part of the healthcare team for patients with this disease. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform biopsies, diagnose oral cancer, and develop a treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each patient.

One of the key roles of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the diagnosis of oral cancer is performing a biopsy. A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area for examination under a microscope. Biopsies are used to diagnose cancer, determine the stage of the disease, and guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in performing biopsies of the mouth and throat, and they use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis.

After Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis of oral cancer is made, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon will work with the patient and their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan. The type of treatment depends on several factors. This includes the stage and location of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences. Furthermore, treatment options for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in surgical procedures related to the mouth and facial regions. And this makes them an essential part of the healthcare team for patients with oral cancer. Surgery is often a key component of the treatment plan for oral cancer, as it allows for the removal of the cancerous tissue and can help to prevent the spread of the disease. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use the latest surgical techniques and equipment to perform procedures such as tumor resection, reconstruction of the affected area, and removal of lymph nodes, if necessary.

In addition to treating oral cancer, oral and maxillofacial surgeons also play an important role in helping patients to get their smiles back. However, oral cancer may have a significant impact on a person’s appearance, and surgical treatment often results in changes to the mouth and facial regions. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in reconstructive procedures which help to restore a patient’s appearance and improve their quality of life.

Reconstructive surgery involves the use of dental implants, bone grafts, or tissue flaps to rebuild the affected area. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Bone grafts involve taking bone tissue from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to rebuild the jawbone. Tissue flaps involve taking tissue from another part of the body, such as the thigh or abdomen, and using it to reconstruct the affected area of the mouth or throat.

Our dedicated team at By Design Dental works with many oral cancer patients to help restore their smiles.  Contact us for a consultation.