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Dental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San AntonioDental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San Antonio

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Pathology


The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

  • Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we can assist you with any questions or concerns. 

Bone Tumors

Multiple types of tumors, both benign and malignant, can appear in the mouth and jaw. 

Tumors and cysts in the jaw often do not have symptoms. They are usually discovered during a routine X-ray. In some cases, however, swelling, bone pain, numbness, tenderness, and unexplained tooth mobility can be symptoms. Benign tumors and cysts can cause damage to surrounding bone and tissue.

Typically, benign tumors and cysts of the jaw will need to be surgically removed, and in some cases, bone reconstruction of the area may be necessary.

Treatment of malignant tumors is dependent on the location and type of the tumor. Often times, treatment can be successful with either surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. 


Available Practices

The below practices offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty & Resident Clinic

We offer surgical services for those who need removal of teeth, replacement of teeth with dental implants, correction of their bites and facial cosmetic surgery. Top services: dental implants, TMJ (jaw joint) treatment, wisdom teeth removal, extractions, bone grafts and cleft lip and palate treatment.

Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice

Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice

Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Make an Appointment

Oral Medicine

Our clinic helps with medical issues of the soft tissue of the mouth. Top services: Treatment of canker sores, oral lesions, Candidiasis and Sjogren's Syndrome.

Average Cost: Equal to private practice

Appointment Time: Equal to private practice

Education: Specialists who also teach at the School of Dentistry

Make an Appointment

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UT Health San Antonio
Dentistry

8210 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-3700

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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also called UT Health San Antonio, is a leading academic health center with a mission to make lives better through excellence in advanced academics, life-saving research and comprehensive clinical care including health, dental and cancer services.

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