Overview
Oral pathology refers to developments in the oral mucosa, teeth, jaw bones, and surrounding soft tissues. precancerous, benign and malignant lesions It deals with diagnosis and treatment.
At Valinor Dental Clinic, these surgeries are performed exclusively. removal of the lesion not only; also early diagnosis, preservation of function and aesthetics, reconstruction, and improvement of quality of life. It is done with a focus.
Digital imaging (CBCT, digital microscopes), histopathological examination, laser-assisted surgery, and microsurgical techniques. With this system, every case is managed with the highest level of security and precision.
1) Precancerous Lesion Surgery
Leukoplakia
- Definition: It is the most common precancerous lesion, characterized by white plaques on the oral mucosa.
- Risk: % carries a 5–20% risk of malignant transformation.
- Surgical Approach: Excisional biopsy, laser ablation if necessary.
- The Valinor Difference: Laser-assisted removal ensures bloodless, rapid healing. Regular follow-up program.
Erythroplakia
- Definition: A lesion presenting as red plaques on the oral mucosa, with a higher malignant potential than leukoplakia.
- Risk: %40–50 malign dönüşüm riski.
- Surgical Approach: Complete excision and histopathology.
- The Valinor Difference: Long-term monitoring through a digital photo and video archive.
Oral Submucosal Fibrosis
- Definition: Hardening of the oral mucosa and restricted mouth opening.
- Reason: Betel quid, chewing tobacco.
- Surgical Approach: Surgical release of fibrous tissues + grafting.
- The Valinor Difference: Functional and aesthetic restoration with PRF and biomaterials.
Actinic Cheilitis
- Definition: Lesion on the lip mucosa due to chronic sun exposure.
- Surgical Approach: Vermilionectomy or laser ablation.
- The Valinor Difference: Microsurgery to preserve lip aesthetics.
2) Benign Mucosal Lesion Surgeries
Papilloma
- HPV-related benign tumor.
- Surgery: Excisional biopsy, laser excision.
Fibroma
- Proliferation of connective tissue due to chronic irritation.
- Surgery: Complete excision, elimination of the traumatic factor.
Mucocele / Ranula
- Cystic lesion resulting from salivary gland duct obstruction.
- Surgery: Marsupialization or removal of the gland.
Epulis Fissuratum
- Prosthetic hyperplasia due to irritation.
- Surgery: Excision of the lesion + planning of a new prosthesis.
Verrucous Lesions
- HPV-related, wart-like growths.
- Surgery: Excision + histopathology.
Valinor difference: In benign lesions, aesthetic concerns are also a primary factor. Scarring is minimized.
3) Biopsy Techniques
Incisional Biopsy
- Removal of part of the lesion.
- Indications: Large lesions, suspected malignant conditions.
Excisional Biopsy
- Complete removal of the lesion.
- Indications: Small, benign, suspected lesions.
Punch Biopsy
- Removal of cylindrical tissue in small, superficial lesions.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA)
- Common in salivary gland tumors.
Valinor difference: The safest tissue transfer for histopathological examination, digital pathology archive, and multidisciplinary evaluation.
4) Oral Cancer Surgeries
Types of Resection
- Marginal resection: The lesion is removed while preserving the jawbone.
- Segmental mandibulectomy: A jaw segment is removed.
- Partial/total maxillectomy: Part or all of the upper jaw is removed.
- Glossectomy: Partial or total removal of the tongue.
Neck Dissections
- Selective: Removal of limited lymph nodes.
- Radical: Removal of all lymphatic structures.
- Modified radical: Preservation of functional structures.
Valinor difference: Cancer surgeries are planned by a multidisciplinary oncology council. Reconstruction is performed immediately after resection.
5) Post-Resection Reconstructions
Microsurgical Flaps
- Fibula free flap: The gold standard in mandibular reconstruction.
- Radial forearm flap: In soft tissue defects.
- Iliac wing graft: In cases where bone support is required.
- Scapula flap: In cases of combined bone and soft tissue defects.
Patient-Specific Prostheses
- 3D printed titanium plates.
- Obturator prostheses (after maxillectomy).
Valinor difference: Reconstruction is not just about repairing defects, smile aesthetics and function restoration It is done with a focus.
6) Laser-Assisted Oral Surgeries
- Laser excision provides bloodless, rapid healing.
- Minimally invasive approach in precancerous lesions.
- The Valinor difference: Painless, aesthetically focused results.
At Valinor Dental Clinic oral pathology surgeries, It is applied not only to treat diseases but also to improve patients' quality of life, facial aesthetics, and the preservation of their functions.
- Early diagnosis + digital pathology integration
- Laser-assisted minimally invasive surgery
- Oncological safety + aesthetic reconstruction
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
In Valinor, every surgery treats the disease. aesthetics, function and safety It prioritizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Surgeries Related to Oral Pathology
1. What is oral pathology?
This field deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the soft tissues and bones inside the mouth.
2. What lesions fall under oral pathology?
Cysts, tumors, precancerous lesions, infections, and mucosal disorders.
3. What is a precancerous lesion?
These are oral lesions that have the potential to develop into cancer.
4. What is leukoplakia?
It is a white plaque-like lesion in the mouth that cannot be removed.
5. Can leukoplakia turn into cancer?
Yes, some types can turn into cancer over time.
6. What is erythroplakia?
It is a red, easily bleeding lesion inside the mouth and carries a high risk of becoming cancerous.
7. Is erythroplakia dangerous?
Yes, it has a higher rate of cancer development than leukoplakia.
8. What is actinic cheilitis?
It is a precancerous condition seen on the lips due to sun exposure.
9. What is oral submucosal fibrosis?
It is a precancerous condition characterized by hardening of the oral mucosa, burning, and restricted opening of the mouth.
10. How are precancerous lesions treated?
Early surgical removal, via laser or close monitoring.
11. What is an oral biopsy?
This involves taking a biopsy from a suspected lesion for diagnostic purposes.
12. In what situations is an oral biopsy performed?
For oral lesions of unknown cause that last longer than 2 weeks.
13. Is an oral biopsy painful?
No, it is painless under local anesthesia.
14. What are the types of oral biopsies?
Incisional, excisional, punch biopsy, and FNA.
15. What is an incisional biopsy?
This involves taking a biopsy from a portion of the lesion.
16. What is excisional biopsy?
It is the complete removal of the lesion.
17. What is a punch biopsy?
It involves taking a small sample using a circular cutting tool.
18. What is FNA?
It is a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, usually performed on lymph nodes.
19. How long does it take to get biopsy results?
Usually 1–2 weeks.
20. Will there be a scar after a biopsy?
No, the oral mucosa heals quickly.
21. What is fibroma?
It is a common, benign tumor in the mouth, often caused by trauma.
22. How is fibroma treated?
It is removed surgically.
23. What is a papilloma?
It is a benign, wart-like lesion that can develop due to HPV.
24. How is papilloma treated?
It is removed surgically or with a laser.
25. What is a mucocele?
It is swelling caused by a blockage of the salivary gland.
26. Where is a mucocele most commonly found?
On the lower lip.
27. How is mucocele treated?
It is removed surgically.
28. What is ranula?
It is a large mucocele located under the tongue.
29. How is ranula treated?
It is surgically removed or marsupialization is performed.
30. What is Epulis fissuratum?
It is gum overgrowth due to irritation from dentures.
31. How is epulis fissuratum treated?
Through surgical removal and the fabrication of a suitable prosthesis.
32. What is giant cell granuloma?
It is a benign lesion found in the jawbone.
33. What is an odontogenic tumor?
These are tumors originating from tooth tissues.
34. What is ameloblastoma?
It is an aggressive, benign tumor found in the jaw.
35. Can ameloblastoma recur?
Yes, it can recur if it's not completely removed.
36. How is ameloblastoma treated?
By surgical resection.
37. What is an odontoma?
It is a tumor containing tooth-like structures.
38. How is odontoma treated?
By surgical removal.
39. What is myxoma?
It is a rare benign tumor found in the jawbone.
40. How is myxoma treated?
Surgical resection is required.
41. What is oral cancer?
It is a general term given to malignant tumors inside the mouth.
42. Where is oral cancer most commonly found?
On the edge of the tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth.
43. What is the most important risk factor for oral cancer?
Smoking and alcohol use.
44. What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Mouth sores that don't heal, swelling, bleeding, pain.
45. Can oral cancer be detected early?
Yes, with regular checkups.
46. How is oral cancer diagnosed?
Through biopsy.
47. What is the role of surgery in the treatment of oral cancer?
Removing the tumor is essential.
48. Is oral cancer surgery a major procedure?
Yes, it depends on the size of the tumor.
49. Is reconstruction possible after oral cancer surgery?
Yes, for both function and aesthetics.
50. Will speech improve after oral cancer surgery?
It improves significantly with rehabilitation.
51. Is it possible to eat after oral cancer surgery?
The initial phase begins with liquid/soft foods, gradually transitioning to normal feeding.
52. Will speech be completely lost after oral cancer surgery?
No, it is largely recoverable with speech therapy support.
53. Does oral cancer surgery affect the sense of taste?
Yes, temporary taste changes may occur.
54. Can the trachea be opened after oral cancer surgery?
Temporary tracheostomy may be necessary for large tumors.
55. Is neck dissection performed after oral cancer surgery?
Yes, lymph nodes in the neck can be removed to reduce the risk of metastasis.
56. What is cervical dissection?
It is a surgical procedure in which lymph nodes are removed.
57. What is selective neck dissection?
It involves removing only the lymph nodes in the risky areas.
58. What is radical neck dissection?
It involves the removal of all lymph nodes along with some muscles and blood vessels.
59. Does facial swelling occur after a neck dissection?
Yes, temporary swelling may occur.
60. Does neck dissection affect shoulder movement?
In the classic method, yes, but less so in modern techniques.
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61. Is it possible to get a prosthesis after oral cancer surgery?
Yes, specialized prostheses like obturators can be used.
62. What is an obturator prosthesis?
It is a prosthesis that separates the oral and nasal cavities and facilitates speaking and chewing.
63. Is an obturator prosthesis permanent?
It can be temporary or permanent.
64. Is it easy to eat with an obturator prosthesis?
Yes, it makes swallowing and speaking easier.
65. Is bone grafting performed after oral cancer surgery?
Yes, missing bone areas can be repaired with grafts.
66. Is microsurgery used after oral cancer surgery?
Yes, reconstruction can be done with free flaps.
67. What is a free fibula flap?
This is a procedure to repair the jawbone using a bone graft taken from the leg.
68. What is a radial forearm flap?
It is a soft tissue flap taken from the arm and used in repairs to the floor of the mouth.
69. Is lip reconstruction possible after oral cancer?
Yes, with local flaps or microsurgery.
70. Is tongue repair possible after oral cancer?
Yes, reconstruction is performed after partial glossectomy.
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71. Can lasers be used in oral pathology surgery?
Yes, lasers can be safely used on small lesions.
72. What are the advantages of lasers?
It offers a bloodless, fast, and sterile procedure.
73. Can leukoplakia be treated with laser?
Yes, laser can be used to remove the lesion.
74. Is laser treatment possible for papillomas?
Yes, it is frequently practiced.
75. Can mucoceles be treated with laser?
Yes, small mucoceles can be removed with a laser.
76. What is the recovery period like after laser surgery?
It's usually faster.
77. Are antibiotics necessary after oral pathology surgery?
It can be given depending on the size and risk of infection.
78. Is there pain after oral pathology surgery?
It is usually mild.
79. How long does swelling last after oral pathology surgery?
It usually subsides within 1-2 weeks.
80. What is the return-to-work time after oral pathology surgery?
Same-day recovery for minor procedures, several weeks for major surgeries.
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81. Can I eat after an oral biopsy?
Yes, but soft foods are recommended on the first day.
82. Can alcohol be consumed after an oral biopsy?
No, it will delay healing.
83. Can I smoke after an oral biopsy?
No, it's definitely not recommended.
84. Are stitches removed after an oral biopsy?
It usually dissolves on its own.
85. Is bleeding normal after an oral biopsy?
Slight leakage is normal in the first few hours.
86. Is there a risk of infection after an oral biopsy?
Very rare, preventable with proper care.
87. Will there be pain after an oral biopsy?
Yes, but it's mild.
88. Can taste be lost after an oral biopsy?
It can be rare and temporary.
89. Will speech be affected after an oral biopsy?
No, minor changes don't break the function.
90. How long does it take to get a report after an oral biopsy?
Usually 1–2 weeks.
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91. What is the purpose of oral pathology surgery?
To remove diseased tissue and promote healthy healing.
92. Does oral pathology surgery provide aesthetic results?
Yes, especially with tissue repair.
93. Does oral pathology surgery preserve function?
Yes, chewing, speaking, and swallowing are preserved as much as possible.
94. Is a follow-up necessary after oral pathology surgery?
Yes, regular follow-up is important.
95. What should the frequency of check-ups be?
Every three months for the first year, then once a year.
96. Can cancer recur after oral pathology surgery?
The probability is low in the early stages and higher in the advanced stages.
97. Can a prosthesis be used after oral pathology surgery?
Yes, missing areas can be supported with prosthetics.
98. Is it possible to have an implant placed after oral pathology surgery?
Yes, after a proper recovery.
99. Is psychological support necessary after oral pathology surgery?
Yes, it's especially helpful after major surgeries.
100. Is oral pathology surgery safe in the long term?
Yes, with the right diagnosis and treatment, both health and quality of life can be preserved.
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