Oral Pathology

As a professional oral pathologist, we serve people who are suffering a condition of the mouth, jaw, or surrounding tissue. We apply years of training and experience to spot potential health problems, investigate their extent and identify opportunities for treatment that minimize the risk of complications. When it comes to taking care of your mouth, there is no substitute for a dedicated and seasoned maxillofacial pathologist. Visit Dentalville Panorama City in Los Angeles to setup an appointment with us!

Who Needs to See an Oral Pathologist?

Many of our patients are referred from another dentist or physician who have noticed symptoms of an ongoing disorder of the mouth or jaw. In most cases, the primary medical service provider refers clients if they don't have the specific equipment or training required to perform advanced treatment. They may also avoid giving a formal diagnosis, allowing the oral pathologist to conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence to support one.

Oral pathologists may also need to take skins samples and run other tests to gather enough evidence to make an informed diagnosis of the condition. Ulcers, inflamed patches of skin and growths in the mouth or jaw are common visible symptoms of many different types of conditions. Advanced laboratory tests on biopsies and samples are often used to pinpoint the exact cause to allow for targeted treatment.

Common Maxillofacial Conditions and Diseases

The field of oral pathology may be limited to a small region of the body, but it covers a wide range of minor to serious health issues that can have an enormous impact on the patient's life. We have helped many patients manage a variety of temporary and long-term health problems, including:

• Chronic ulcers in the mouth
• Discolored skin lesions
• Melanoma and other cancerous growth of the skin
• Internal growths of the jaw or salivary glands
• Difficulty swallowing or consuming food

Dentists may also refer patients to an oral specialist if they complain of broader symptoms, like persistent sore throat or gum sensitivity. The first responsibility of an oral pathologist is to take practical and accurate measures to identify the cause of the symptoms, including underlying issues that may be crucial to a long-term solution. Oral health can impact the entire body, so seemingly unrelated symptoms can also be linked to a disorder of the mouth, jaw, or face.

When to Seek Treatment

Many oral health issues develop over a long period of time, so it's possible for people to ignore or miss the initial signs of a potentially serious problem. Some of these conditions cause a variety of health complications that impact individuals in different ways. Visible signs aren't always reliable for identifying or ruling out a particular disease. When in doubt, it's better to seek a formal diagnosis rather than wait to address a growing concern.

Don't hesitate to contact a dental health practitioner if you notice any unusual or painful changes in your mouth, jaw, or face. Patients referred to us can expect to be treated in a clean, professional environment where their health and well-being are always at the top of the priority list.