Oral Pathology in Marion, OH:
How We Can Help You

No one wants to experience dental pain or have any mouth-related issues. That’s why proper preventive care is essential, as it can resolve these issues before they even start. If you’re unsure of what the problem is or what to do about it, our team at Yanich Oral Surgery can help.

Dr. Yanich and his team are proud to offer oral pathology services in Marion, OH. So, if you’re experiencing any dental pain or have any mouth-related issues, call us now! We’ll be happy to help you get the relief you need.

Oral Pathology in Marion, OH: What Is It and Why Do I Need To Know About It?

Oral pathology studies oral diseases that affect the maxillofacial and oral regions, allowing qualified dentists to identify symptoms, diagnose problems, and deliver treatment quickly whenever there’s a problem. For example, suppose you think you have a tooth or mouth disease or were referred to us by your oral pathologist. In that case, Dr. Yanich can evaluate your medical history to help pinpoint the underlying health condition causing the problem.

At Yanich Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we can help you by diagnosing cancer or precancerous oral conditions by way of biopsy. We encourage you to contact us today if you have any questions or concerns – we are happy to help!

Oral Diseases

Oral health and overall health go hand-in-hand. Various risk factors, such as smoking, drinking, poor oral hygiene, and an unhealthy diet, contribute to developing oral diseases. Social determinants of health and wellness can also play a role in whether or not you’re at risk for developing these conditions. With the help of oral pathology, you can get these diseases diagnosed and treated before they cause irreversible damage to your health.

Oral Cancer

The primary cause of oral cancer is HPV (Human papillomavirus), but smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are also major contributing factors. This means you can significantly reduce the odds of oral cancer by incorporating healthy routines. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lifestyle changes can prevent up to 50% of all cancers. Here are some lifestyle change suggestions: 

  • Eating nutritious foods
  • Staying active and fit
  • Avoiding tobacco products
  • Consuming alcohol in moderation
  • Going to your doctor, dentist, and dental hygienist for regular checkups
  • And keeping up with good oral hygiene

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

According to the Cleveland Clinic, over half of the US population has HSV-1 –– a highly contagious virus commonly spread through saliva. You can become infected by sharing utensils or beverages with someone with the virus or kissing them. It can even be spread via skin-to-skin contact when symptoms aren’t present.

If you have HSV-1, the symptoms may be most severe when you first contract it. These can include:

  • A tingling or burning feeling on your lips
  • Red, swollen blisters on your lips, face, tongue, or anywhere else on your skin

Thrush

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), oral thrush is the most common fungal infection, and other symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of taste
  • Pain when eating or swallowing
  • Red spots or white patches in your mouth
  • Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth

Black Hairy Tongue

This condition is what it sounds like: your tongue looks like it’s growing black hair (don’t worry, it’s not). Whats happens is dead skin cells accumulate on the papillae –– small bumps formed by mucous membrane cells that make up the surface of your tongue –– and this makes them longer than their average length (most papillae are about 1 millimeter long). As a result, the long papillae are more likely to absorb color from stain-causing substances you consume, resulting in a black tongue.

A black hairy tongue may sound dangerous, but the good news is that it’s nothing to worry about and can be fixed by getting rid of possible causes (like smoking) and being mindful of oral hygiene.

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Our clinic uses the latest technology to process and study patient specimens. We offer comprehensive evaluations, including:

Soft and hard tissue hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining;

Special studies like histochemistry or immunohistochemistry; when needed;

In situ hybridization;

Liquid cytology specimens;

After our oral and maxillofacial surgeon has gathered all the required diagnostic information, they’ll start developing the optimal treatment plan for each patient. They we relay our recommended treatment plan to you, answering any questions along the way.

Dr. Yanich's Prevention Tips

The best way to protect oral health is through good oral habits and practices, including:

Brush twice a day for two minutes.

Floss once a day.

Drink lots of fluoridated water each day and getting enough restful sleep night.

Visit the dentist twice per year for regular exams

Eat nutrient-dense foods.

Eliminate sugary foods and candy.

Avoiding smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Have an Oral Health Concern? Schedule an Appointment Today!

Are you or your patient experiencing oral bumps, lumps, sores, or ulcers that last more than two weeks? These could be signs of a more serious oral health condition or cancer. Schedule a diagnostic consultation with Dr. Yanich today.