Oral Pathology
-
- Tweet
Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon located in Westchester, Mamaroneck, NY
Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral issues, but there are a number of other conditions that can affect your teeth and mouth as well. At Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Shahin Ghobadi, DMD, and the team specialize in oral pathology and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the mouth and surrounding structures. If you’re concerned about your oral health, make an appointment by calling the office in Mamaroneck, New York, or clicking the online booking tool today.
Oral Pathology Q & A
What is oral pathology?
Oral pathology is a branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating diseases that impact your teeth, gums, temporomandibular joints, tongue, and other soft tissues in your mouth, including your salivary glands.
In addition to graduating from traditional dental school, oral pathologists — like the team at Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — complete a three-year residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology in order to identify and treat more complex conditions.
What are some common conditions oral pathologists treat?
At Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, the team regularly diagnoses and treats:
Herpes simplex virus
If you regularly experience cold sores or fever blisters, you might have oral herpes, which is a common mouth infection.
Herpes typically develops when you’re a child, causing painful blisters to form on your mouth and lips. These blisters eventually subside, but the virus remains in your body. Outbreaks can occur throughout your life, but prescription medications can provide relief.
Candidiasis (oral thrush)
Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, occurs when there’s an overgrowth of Candida fungus in your mouth.
People with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to oral thrush including infants, seniors, and those with uncontrolled diabetes or HIV. The most common symptom associated with oral thrush is the formation of white, painful patches in your mouth.
Black hairy tongue
The surface of your tongue features microscopic, cone-shaped bumps called papillae. Typically, they shed and regenerate.
However, if they continue to grow, they can make your tongue appear hairy and black. Common causes of black hairy tongue include poor oral hygiene, radiation treatment, and smoking cigarettes.
Oral cancer
Approximately 50,000 Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis every year. Oral cancer can develop on your tongue, inside your mouth, on your lips, or in your throat. Fortunately, oral cancer is largely preventable.
The two most common causes are smoking and drinking too much alcohol. You can significantly lower your risk of oral cancer by limiting your alcohol intake and quitting smoking.
What happens during an oral pathology appointment?
At your first oral pathology appointment, your Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provider performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
If necessary, they might also order a series of digital X-rays to get a better look at the bones and underlying structures of your mouth.
Your provider compiles all of this information and then formulates a treatment plan for your individual needs. This may include prescription medications, a deep oral cleaning, or surgical intervention.
To request your oral pathology consultation at Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, call the office or click the online scheduling tool today.
