While we can restore your smile with dental implants and periodontic treatments, it’s also prudent to check up on what’s going on underneath the skin. Oral cancer prevention is one of our top priorities, along with providing treatments to patients with autoimmune disorders who may otherwise not be able to get treated. Read along as we detail treatments available here for those who fall into these categories.
Biopsies
When it comes to testing for oral cancers, one of the more accurate ways is to take a biopsy from your jawbone or gum tissue. A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is removed from a part of the body, in order to test that sample for diseases or cancer. It’s vital that oral cancer be caught quickly and treated, before it spreads to the neck, facial areas, or other parts of your body.
The first step is to check for warning signs of oral cancer. These typically take the form of discolored spots of soft tissue, lesions, lumps, and otherwise abnormal tissue formations in the mouth and tongue. Other warning signs include painful or difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, and lumps or growths in the throat.
The patients who are most susceptible to oral cancer are patients over 40 years old, patients with heavy tobacco and alcohol consumption, and possibly patients with whom it is hereditary. If you want to learn more about symptoms and possible causes of oral cancers, consult with Dr. Wagner about how you can best take care of your oral health.
Treatment for Autoimmune Disorder Patients
Patients with autoimmune disorders already face difficulties in treating and managing the symptoms of their condition. While no cure has been found yet, these patients can experience oral health changes as a result of their condition. These diseases are not transferrable between patients, and only occur as a result of autoimmune disorders.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is one type of autoimmune disorder in which the whitish patches, redd swelling,or open sores appear in your mouth. Some of these lesions may feel like a burning or painful sensation. Oral lichen planus occurs when the immune system attacks the mucous membranes in your mouth, and can be found on either the cheeks, gums, tongue, inside of the lips, or the roof of the mouth. Here at The Wagner Centre, Dr. Wagner can help provide treatments to control the symptoms of oral lichen planus, and help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Pemphigoid/Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a skin disease that causes lesions and blistering in the gums, most commonly. Pemphigoid is similar, but typically affects older patients. The tissues around the gums and mouth may bleed when applying very little pressure (meaning the tissues are quite weak). Possible treatments for the symptoms can include corticosteroids and changes in diet and oral hygiene to alleviate the painful side effects of the condition.
Contact Dr. Wagner For Oral Ailments
Here at The Wagner Centre Implants & Periodontics, we not only provide dental implants and periodontal treatments for patients, but also believe that oral cancer prevention and autoimmune disorder treatments help our patients live fuller, healthier lives. Consult with Dr. Wagner today about possible treatments we can provide for your oral health ailments.
