Oral Surgery Associates
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Oral Pathology

Oral 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.

What Our Patients Say

I was extremely nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, but my experience here could not have been better. Scheduling appointments over the phone was quick and easy, I was always greeted by name for my appointments, and the follow up care was great! Dr Dingman did a wonderful job explaining everything and was always open to questions. Every person that assisted me at any point along the process was absolutely amazing! While I don’t hope I need any other procedures soon, I know that if I ever do, I am in the best hands here!
- Bailey S
Absolutely the best oral surgery experience anyone could ask for.
- Janet G
Very friendly staff. I had Dr. Bezak and he was very personable and kind. He did a fantastic job with the surgery. I would recommend OSA to anyone.
- Keara V
Confident, that is how I feel about this procedure. Prepping for an implant, and I am sure that will be a breeze. I hope to not need OSA again, but if I do, I will be confident that I will be taken care of.
- Michael H
Dr. Kintz is amazing! My daughter first saw him 10yrs ago for 2 extractions at the age of 6yr. old. Last week she had all 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed. He has the best bed side manner and is so friendly. He put us both at ease and did a wonderful job. She was in quite a bit of pain the next day due to the depth of her top wisdom teeth, and who called me back after leaving a message with the emergency staff…… none other than Dr. Kintz himself. He goes above and beyond and you feel it from the first meeting. He is exceptional!!!!
- Stephanie S
My father was the patient and was referred over to Dr.Kintz. I just wanted to let everyone at your office know what a great environment you have and how friendly everyone was. I also work in healthcare and unfortunately people hear more about the bad than the good. Huge thank you to everyone and especially Dr.Kintz for squeezing my father in to have the actual extractions done today.
- Ema C
Dr. Kintz is the best! Very gentle, very patient, and super kind. I have had extractions and implants. I wouldn’t go to any other doctor.
- Noelle H
Thank you to all of the staff at Oral Surgery Associates, you are all very informative, by answering any and all questions. You are understanding to the patient and their concerns and that life happens. I thank you all very much for everything. I will highly recommend you to anyone!
- Stephanie F
DR. KINTZ IS THE GREATEST. HE IS SO GENTLE AND HAS GREAT BESIDE MANNER.
- Tiffani J
My appointment was for a dental extraction, which was my initial preference versus undergoing root canal and crown procedures. But unbeknownst to me, the extraction was a high risk proposition due to my currently rather complex health condition. Yet, without objection or elaboration, two general dentists I had earlier consulted had independently asserted that the extraction was understandable and presently doable, but definitely should be performed by an oral surgeon. In later preparation for the extraction, however, Dr.Kintz immediately recognized certain risks associated with the extraction at this particular time, and after promptly conversing with the second dentist I had consulted, strongly advocated having a dental specialist (endodontist) perform an immediate root canal procedure as the best present action to be taken. He explained that doing the extraction now could possibly result in significant consequences that ought to be avoided if at all possible. I greatly appreciated Dr. Kintz’s unhesitating professional and ethical assessment of this situation and the advice rendered in reversing my initial intentions. His recommendations were unequivocally endorsed and successfully performed the same day by a highly regarded dental specialist to whom I was referred.
- Ron N
I would not think twice about having these guys help you out. They are great
- Wendy Y
I was very impressed with the new office, since I have had appointments at the previous location in the past. The new building is so clean & modern! I love the décor and all the modern updates….it’s very high tech. I have also been extremely happy with the care I have received from Dr. Dingman and his staff. The procedures relating to my extraction and implant were a bit anxiety inducing but I quickly found that there was no need to be anxious. Dr. Dingman made me feel very comfortable and I had little to no pain & no complications. My follow up appointments have been thorough, but at the same time, quick & easy. I appreciate all the staff at Oral Surgery Associates for all their help & care during my implant process & I love, love, LOVE the new office!
- Carrie W
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Procedures

Grand Rapids

Grandville

What Sets Us Apart?

Oral Surgery Associates is committed to providing top-tier care utilizing the latest techniques and technology. Our team, trained in advanced procedures like I.V. sedation, offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgeries, ensuring comfort and high-quality results in their state-of-the-art facilities.
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