Dr. Patel
Periodontist
The training that Dr. Patel has received has given him a wide range of experience in treating advanced periodontal disease, complicated extractions of teeth, placement of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures, as well as in periodontal plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Pooria Fallah
Periodontist
Dr. Fallah received his DDS degree in 2009 and subsequently completed his residency program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry in 2015. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics in 2016 and has been practicing periodontics in private practice in Dallas since 2015.
Dr. Husain
Periodontist
Dr. Husain is proficient in dental surgical procedures involving bone and soft tissue grafting, dental implant placement, minimally invasive LANAP and other laser procedures, and treating chronic periodontal diseases.
Dr. Li
Periodontist
Dr. Li is a Board-Certified periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
Dr. Sheppard
Periodontist
Dr. Sheppard has been in private practice since 2004. She takes pride in providing her patients with the highest quality care using the latest technology and using a patient centered approach. In 2005, she co-founded The Northwest Society of Women Dentists, an organization for women who were often also business owners.
Common Signs of Oral Cancer
One of the most common signs that oral cancer is present is noticeable changes of the mucosa, which should appear pink and be smooth. If this change is present, your periodontist will take a biopsy of the area that is affected, which will then be sent to a laboratory to determine the cause of the change. Once a diagnosis has been reached, your periodontist will discuss treatment options. Fortunately, the majority of pathological
changes that occur are not life threatening, however the rate of oral cancer diagnoses is increasing, especially among men. If a diagnosis is made early, survivability is approximately 80%.
Patients who are experiencing any of the following common symptoms of oral cancer should schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening:
- Persistent mouth pain
- Masses/lumps around your neck
- Eroded areas, swelling, or patches in the mouth that are red or white
- Unexplained oral bleeding
- Neck, mouth, or facial sensitivity
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, moving the tongue, or speaking
- Mouth sores
- Ear pain
- Chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or cough
Diagnosing Oral Pathological Disease
The only way to definitely determine an oral pathological disease is to have a biopsy, which involves surgically removing a tissue from the affected area and studying this sample with a microscope. Biopsies are typically performed after administration of local anesthesia. Certain biopsies may occur endoscopically, while others will use image guidance, such as an MRI, CT, or ultrasound. The most common types of tissue that are examined are oral mucosa, sinus mucosa, lymph nodes, skin, soft tissue, and bone.
There are three primary types of biopsies that are performed to diagnose oral cancer, which include the following:
- Excisional biopsy: Excisional biopsies are typically performed if the lesion is 1cm or smaller in diameter, is surgically accessibly, and seemingly benign.
- Incisional biopsy: Most commonly performed for large lesions, an incisional biopsy involves removing a small portion of tissue. Depending upon the accessibility of the region, this incision will either take place in the office or, if necessary, an operating room.
- Exfoliative cytology: A sample of cells is scraped from the suspected area. Once collected, the sample is examined under a microscope. If abnormal cells are discovered, a deeper biopsy will be required.
Treating Oral Pathological Diseases
Fortunately, the majority of pathological changes that occur are not life threatening, however they can be disfiguring and/or uncomfortable.
There are a range of methods for treating other oral pathological diseases, including the following:
- Antibiotics: If the patient is experiencing soreness or has a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and soreness and return the mucosa back to its original state.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Diluted): If the soft tissue has changed due to poor or improper oral hygiene, your periodontist may prescribe a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, which will improve halitosis and kill significantly more bacteria than traditional mouth washes.
- Oral Surgery: Patients who have non-cancerous growths or cysts may have them removed through a surgical excision. In addition to improving the aesthetic appearance, removal of these growths or cysts can also improve breathing problems, make speaking easier, and generally improve the patient’s overall comfort level.
Biopsy and Treatment Cost
There are a range of factors that can impact the final cost of your treatment, including any necessary surgeries or associated procedures that will need to be performed prior to or along with treatment, as well as your insurance plan.
Our team is committed to helping you complete necessary paperwork, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have concerning billing. For patients who have insurance plans, we do request you submit medical/dental insurance information with your New Patient Paperwork to expedite this process.
Please note: to reduce costs to our patients while still ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care, we have the following financial polices:
- We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Full payment is due after services rendered
- Payment plan options are available via www.CareCredit.com
PERIODONTAL SERVICES
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. Depending upon how severe your case is, your periodontist will suggest a follow up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At ROOT™ Periodontal and Implant Center, we take your health, confidence, and teeth seriously. Scheduling regular visits to maintain your teeth and gums will actively improve your overall health, and maintaining a bright and strong healthy smile will do wonders for your self-confidence. In addition to recognizing the importance of your oral health, we also understand the importance of your time, which is why we are committed to making every visit to our clinic as efficient as possible.
If you would like to learn more about having a biopsy or other issues related to diagnosing and treating oral pathological diseases, schedule an appointment or consultation today with our friendly, helpful staff, who can be reached at the following locations: Carrollton: (972) 242-7603; Flower Mound: (972) 434-8050; Denton: (940) 566-7021, or Frisco: (469) 489-ROOT.