The Silent Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors

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Salivary gland tumors are a tricky thing. The symptoms can be so subtle you might not notice them at first. That’s why routine dental visits are so important. If you don’t notice the signs, your dentist in Palmdale, CA , will.

Here’s what you need to know.

The Silent Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors

We’re talking about the symptoms below. You might not notice them (at first). Some of these symptoms could easily be thought of as “no big deal.” Just a minor inconvenience. Slight issues that will probably go away on their own. But guess what? They won’t. So, don’t put off salivary gland testing in Palmdale, CA .

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

  • Lumps or Swelling on or in Your Neck, Jaw, or Mouth
  • Muscle Weakness on One Side of Your Face
  • Trouble Swallowing
  • Ongoing Pain Near Your Salivary Glands
  • Numbness on One Side of Your Face
  • Trouble Opening Your Mouth Widely
  • Testing for Salivary Gland Tumors

Your dentist will perform X-rays of your salivary glands. You might also need an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to confirm that you do, in fact, have a tumor and to see if it has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck.

Then, a biopsy will be taken. Or the dentist might do a fine needle aspiration. This step will determine if your tumor is benign or malignant. Sometimes, a sialendoscopy will be done to find small tumors that are hard to identify.

Whatever you do, don’t panic! Most salivary gland tumors are slow-growing and noncancerous. Your dentist will help you every step of the way.

Treating Salivary Gland Tumors

If your tumor is benign, your dentist might recommend you have it removed. Removal will prevent the possibility of it becoming malignant later. If your tumor is malignant, your dentist will go over what needs to happen next. Again, don’t panic. Surgery might be necessary. But your dentist is there to help.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Palmdale, CA?

If there’s something not quite right on your face or in your mouth, please Contact [practice_name]  today to schedule an exam. Our offices are comfortable and tranquil. We have a state-of-the-art facility. And our team is as good as it gets. We’d love to help you get your oral health back to normal.

man holding jaw in pain

What to Know About Dry Socket

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Dry socket is a condition that can occur after you’ve lost a tooth if the clot in your tooth either unexpectedly moves or doesn’t form at all. This exposes your nerves and bones, making it harder for your mouth to heal. Below, we’ll look at what you need to know about the condition and why finding the right  oral surgeons in Palmdale, CA , can help you drastically reduce the odds of experiencing it.

Dry Socket Symptoms

For the most part, there is no mistaking the symptoms of dry socket. The pain is typically severe enough that you won’t have to wonder. This pain may start in the tooth only to travel to the whole side of your face, eventually affecting anything from your eyes to your neck. Other symptoms include very bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or visible bone underneath the extraction site.

What Causes Dry Socket?

Dry socket is often a clotting problem, which you can trace back to a number of potential causes. For example, different medications may impact either your blood’s consistency or interfere with the general healing process. Dry socket can also be a pressure problem, meaning you can dislodge the clot with anything from forceful rinsing to a suck on a straw or a cigarette.

How to Avoid Dry Socket in Palmdale, CA

For some people, dry socket is largely unavoidable. It doesn’t always take very much to dislodge the clot, and this can happen even when you’re being careful. However, there are ways to drastically reduce your odds of dry socket, particularly if you work with a team that can educate you about protecting the site and giving you all the resources you need to keep it as safe as possible.

Whether you’re getting your  wisdom teeth removed in Palmdale, CA  or you suffered an accident or injury, the team at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers is here to help you get the services you need so that you can heal as quickly as possible. If you need additional services, such as implants or grafting, we can schedule follow-ups so you can restore your smile!