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."
Analise
San Francisco
"Hi, my name is Analise and I live in San Francisco, and I came to 7x7 for a biopsy. When I walked in, everyone was really nice and they made me feel comfortable. Dr. Pat was super kind and confident in what she did. She also was patient with us and answered all our questions and made sure we understood what was going to happen. The staff explained everything to me and made it super easy and everything was super clear about what to do. For my friends and family in San Francisco, I highly recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Andrew, and I had a dental implant with Dr. Duncan. When I first came to Dr. Duncan’s office, it was very clean, organized. Dr. Duncan is very personable and came in, just kind of chatted and got to know each other and he was able to balance kind of comforting myself with respect to the procedure and letting me know kind of what was coming and then, you know, just nice conversation. The surgery went absolutely fine, and what was amazing to me is that I didn’t need to call him up for any questions or anything afterwards. I was surprised how easy the recovery went. Dr. Duncan made me feel comfortable and the fact that he explained everything clear, it all went well. I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
"Hi, I’m Antonio from San Francisco and I came to 7x7 doctors for [a] bone graft and implants. When I first walked into the office, everyone was very professional. The staff at 7x7 was very welcoming and they also gave me all the information that I needed prior to my initial appointment. The doctors at 7x7 were very, very informative. I felt very comfortable, very confident in what they were telling me. I felt like I was in good hands. The procedure went extremely well. I feel good that I can now eat what I hadn’t been able to eat before. I had a great experience here and I definitely recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Angelica, and I am from San Francisco. I came to 7x7 to have my wisdom tooth extracted by Dr. Scharf. When I first came here, I felt very welcomed. The staff was friendly and helpful, and they made me feel comfortable as soon as I got here. Dr. Scharf was professional, personable, and caring. Overall, my experience was amazing. Everything was perfect, and I felt really taken care of. For my friends and family in San Francisco, Daly City, and San Bruno, I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
"My name is Arc. I live in Hillsborough. I visited 7x7 for bone grafting and implant. The very first second I visited the office, the staff was both friendly and professional and needless to say that doctor was amazing. Dr. Pat is incredibly professional and kind and caring person. I wish all my doctors were like Dr. Pat. After the surgery, everything was so smooth and so easy. It was amazing. Now I can chew as I want on both sides. It was amazing experience and I would strongly recommend Dr. Pat."
"Hi, my name is Betty from San Francisco. I had a dental implant done by Dr. Scharf. The office here at West Portal is one of the friendliest, most professional offices I’ve ever been to. Everyone is always kind. They’re very efficient. It’s really a pleasure to come here. Before I came for surgery, I was really very nervous. I’d never had a tooth pulled, and I also had never been through the implant procedure before. Dr. Scharf is so professional and so skilled, and the minute he walks into the room, you know that he knows what he’s doing and he makes you feel so much better about the whole process. It worked one hundred percent, and it was a great experience. For my friends and family in Brisbane and Colma, I highly recommend 7x7 Oral Surgery."
"Hi, my name is Brigid, I’m from San Anselmo, and I came to 7x7 to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked into 7x7, I had a really good impression of the office. Everyone was super welcoming and very nice. The doctors at 7x7 are very kind. They informed me about everything and I felt like I was very prepared for going into the procedure. The procedure went very well. I healed nicely too. Overall, I had a very good experience at 7x7 and I would definitely recommend it. Out of five stars, I give 7x7 a five-star rating."
"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."
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!