Oral Pathology
Identify & Manage Oral Disease
If there is any abnormality to the normally smooth and coral pink lining of the mouth, pathology may be present that could indicate disease.
If a patient has a suspicious or abnormal condition in the mouth, it’s important to determine the cause because it could indicate a more serious problem, like oral cancer. Oral surgeons are extensively educated and trained in oral pathology, which focuses on diseases of the mouth, head, neck, and face. Oral pathologists examine and diagnose many oral conditions, including:
- Oral cancer
- Salivary problems
- Canker sores
- Fungal infections
- And bad breath
The best way to determine the nature of an irregularity in your mouth is to be seen for an evaluation. Oral surgeons receive training in the assessment and treatment of oral pathology, making the team at 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists highly qualified to give you the gentle and effective care you need.
Signs of Oral Cancer and Disease
There may not always be symptoms of pain or discomfort, making regular dental appointments and at-home examinations essential. It's recommended to perform a monthly oral exam to check for any changes or abnormalities. Start by standing in front of a mirror and opening your mouth wide. Look for any visible patches of discoloration, sores that do not heal, or thickening of the mouth lining. Pay attention to any difficulty with chewing or swallowing. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as they can indicate a benign or cancerous pathology.
Signs of a pathological process include:
- Visible patches of discoloration in the mouth
- Sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Thickening or lumps in the mouth linings
- Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
- Loose teeth or a change in bite
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons. We offer oral cancer screenings and will discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Oral Pathology Treatment
Treatment options for oral pathology can vary depending on the nature of the condition. When you come to our office, one of our oral surgeons will perform a complete oral examination to look for signs of oral disease. 3D images may be taken at this time.
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the next steps for treatment. Before the biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed. This ensures that you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, your oral surgeon will carefully remove a small sample of tissue from the affected area. This tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for further analysis and diagnosis. The pathologist will provide a diagnosis based on their findings.
Once the pathology report is complete, your oral surgeon will discuss the results with you. Benign growths or infections can often be treated with oral medications, creams, or removal procedures. Common viral and fungal infections, such as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and candidiasis (thrush), can be effectively managed with the right treatment.
More severe cases, such as oral cancer, may require more extensive treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgeries, all of which will be discussed with you in detail.
Comfortable Care With Anesthesia Options
We understand that many patients feel nervous about oral surgery. That is why we offer multiple anesthesia options to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your procedure. Your oral surgeon will review the best option for your needs during your consultation.
Real Patient Experiences
Patients across San Francisco trust 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists for expert care and life-changing results. Our commitment to comfort, communication, and precision ensures a positive experience from consultation through recovery.
"Hi, my name is Alex, I’m from San Francisco, and I came to see the doctors at 7x7 for dental implants. Immediately upon walking in the door, I knew that I was in the right place. I found the doctors at 7x7 to be very warm and [they] did everything they could to make me comfortable, and I really appreciated that. The staff gave me sort of a play-by-play as to what was going to happen and a treatment path to get my mouth corrected. I’m immensely happy that I had the dental implants done at 7x7. They’ve taken care of me through the whole process and I’ve gotten my teeth back in order. I had a fantastic experience at 7x7, and I would absolutely recommend that anyone go there for any oral surgery needs."
"I was referred here by my dentist, and when I came in, the staff was really good with greeting me. They were very timely about my appointment and kind of helped me navigate through my first time at the office, so I was pretty comfortable with the staff. My doctor was really great. He's very personable, very laid back. He made me extremely comfortable. It was a really good procedure. My recovery was really well. They later let me see the X-ray of the implant that he had put in, and it was perfect. It was just straight up. I would absolutely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. Everything went really smooth, and it was a great experience."
"When I walked in, into the practice, it was such a good feeling. The staff was really welcoming. They treat me really warmly. My doctor was an excellent doctor, really friendly, really nice. I felt so comfortable with her throughout all the procedure. My procedure actually went really easy. Recovery went so fast, and everything went beyond my expectations. I will highly recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery to all my friends in Millbrae."
"Hi, my name is Daryl. I am from South San Francisco, and I had a dental implant. The staff was great. They were very professional as well as precise. I was very, very impressed with Dr. Morrow's bedside manner. The procedure went very well, and my quality of life has improved. By all means, I would definitely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists."
"People seem really friendly and nice. That was my first interaction with the person at the front desk. The level of customer service seemed really great. My doctor was Dr. Scharf. He's like really a friendly person. I felt like he really met me where I was, and I felt like he spoke to me in a way that I could understand what was going on. And I really appreciated being under his care. Implant was a success. Very clean, professional work. So far, it's been really easy. I'm happy, I'm satisfied, and I would feel very comfortable recommending other people here for dental work or implants or surgery."
"Hi, my name is Jim from San Francisco, and I came to 7x7 to get dental implants. When I first came here, I noticed that the facilities were very clean, very organized. I can’t say enough about Dr. Duncan in terms of his professionalism. He’s very efficient, he’s very fast and organized, he’s very friendly, and I always felt at ease with him. I find the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Procedures went very well. After I got my implants, I don’t notice any difference between my normal teeth and the implants. Overall, I would highly recommend 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Jodi from San Bruno, and I had dental implants done by the doctors here at 7x7. When I first walked in, I was treated with such care that I felt much more at peace. The doctors at 7x7 are so good and they made me feel confident that we would get the job done. The staff here was soothing and clear and helped me understand what to expect. I feel confident with my smile and happy with what the results are. For my friends and family in and around San Francisco, I highly recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"I came here for the first time. I'm very comfortable. It's very warm and very welcoming. All the staff is very friendly with me. My doctor is very caring and very professional. My procedure and my recovery is great. Last night I recommended this place to my best friend. My teeth is beautiful."
"I’m Nik from San Francisco and I came to 7x7 for dental implants. When I walked into this place, my first impression was very positive and reassuring. Dr. Scharf at 7x7 thoroughly explained the options and the process and the results. The staff are a group of professionals that are caring. The procedures were done very professionally with absolute comfort. I would certainly, with total comfort and confidence, would recommend services at 7x7. I’m very happy with the outcome."
Where the Bay Area Finds Better Smiles
For over 40 years, 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists has helped San Francisco find healthier and more beautiful smiles. We are proud to serve Bay Area patients with exceptional oral surgery services delivered with compassionate care. With four practice locations, we are able to bring our expertise to the entire city. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your oral health goals, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to welcoming you soon!