Maxillofacial and Oral pathology refers to the diseases of the mouth or oral cavity. This includes all related structures such as the salivary glands, the oral and periodontal tissues, facial muscles, jaw joints or Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Various malignant growths, infections and conditions of the mouth, facial bones and neck can be referred to a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon for further investigation and treatment. Maxillofacial and Oral pathology is considered oral medicine; however, Dr Kruger is the only specialist equipped to treat and manage these conditions as they involve the entire oral region.

Various pathological conditions of the facial structures, mouth and neck may include:

• Congenital Cleft lip and palate as well as jaw abnormalities
• Oral and jaw bone cysts from miscellaneous origins
• Odontogenic pathology which originates from dental tissue
• Oral cancerous growths and pre-cancerous conditions such as leukoplakia
• Minor congenital or hereditary abnormalities such as tongue ties
• Bony growths and exostosis (such as torus palatinus & torus mandibularis)
• Facial Pain (due to TMD or Eagle syndrome)
• Auto-immune and other systemic conditions that affect the mouth and surrounding tissues
• Bacterial, Viral, Fungal infections of the oral mucosa
• Disease processes of the temporomandibular joint(TMJ)
• Salivary gland disease such as ductal obstruction, infections and Sjögren syndrome

How are pathological conditions of the mouth diagnosed?

Dr Kruger is capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of pathological conditions, be it congenital, bacterial, viral, fungal, degenerative, metabolic or induced by an autoimmune disease. A biopsy may also be performed by the surgeon to remove a piece of tissue sample from the site to be examined more closely by an Oral Pathologist, who can assist with the diagnosis. Further blood tests might be required to make a definitive diagnosis. Biopsies are typically used to screen for oral cancers and pre-cancerous conditions.

Treatment will be tailored to the condition diagnosed, the severity thereof and the needs of the patient. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the lesion but may require a simple follow-up. It may involve complicated surgeries such as resection and reconstruction. Close monitoring for complications is needed by an Maxillofacial and Oral Specialist Surgeon such as Dr Kruger, who is an expert in the management of these conditions.