Oral Pathology
Identify and Treat Oral Disease
Oral pathology refers to any type of disease or cancer in the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral surgeons are trained to identify abnormalities in the mouth, perform a diagnosis, and treat accordingly. Attending regular dental visits is important because your dentist checks for abnormalities and refers you to an oral surgeon for treatment. Early detection and treatment is key for optimal outcomes. Although rare, the presence of an abnormality could indicate the presence of oral cancer, and this should be treated as soon as possible.
If you notice a change in your mouth and suspect an oral pathology, contact Oral Surgery Group as soon as possible for consultation with Dr. Philip Engel, Dr. Richard Stern, Dr. Constantine Simos, Dr. Michael Stern, Dr. Amy Tanchyk, and Dr. Rohan Prabhu. Our offices are located in New Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Middlesex, New Jersey, and we look forward to improving your oral health.
Types of Oral Diseases
There are many types of oral diseases ranging from infections to oral cancer. Our oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. During your first visit, we will evaluate your oral health to detect the abnormality and form a diagnosis. The most common types of oral infections and diseases include:
- Gum disease; according to the CDC, periodontal disease affects nearly half of adults age 30 and over
- Infectious diseases, such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
- Oral cancers, which can affect the gums, tongue, tonsils, or top of the throat
- Candidiasis (thrush); according to the CDC, oral thrush is the most common fungal infection
- Salivary gland disorders
Signs and Symptoms
Many oral and facial pathologies have no uncomfortable or painful symptoms in early stages. If you or your dentist notices any of the following symptoms, you should see an oral surgeon for a second opinion and possible treatment:
- Sores that bleed or do not heal on their own
- White or reddish patches on the mouth’s lining or tongue
- Thickening areas or structures forming in the lining of the mouth
- Soreness or hoarseness in the throat that won’t go away
- An earache that lasts longer than normal
- Pain in or around the mouth with no obvious cause
How Are Oral Diseases Treated?
Treatment for oral disease will depend on the type and severity. Prior to treatment, we will meet with you during a consultation visit and examine your condition. We may take 3D scans of your mouth and face for a more detailed view. As oral surgeons, we are qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia in our offices and will discuss your options for any upcoming treatment.
We can treat some infections with antibiotics and close monitoring. Benign cysts or tumors may be removed if they do not resolve on their own. If oral cancer is detected, there are a number of treatment options available to treat the cancer and prevent it from spreading.
Many of our surgeons are also on staff at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and St. Peter’s University Hospital to assist with oral cancer treatments. If you are unsure of whether or not you are experiencing a pathological process, we recommend getting an oral exam as soon as possible. We offer exams, biopsies, and treatment and our offices in New Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Middlesex, NJ. Contact Oral Surgery Group today to schedule your appointment.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several types of anesthesia to ensure patients remain comfortable in our care.
Hear From Oral Pathology Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing oral pathology treatment at our office.
Reviews From Our Oral Pathology Patients
"The staff was great. I thought the office was very nice when you walked in—very welcoming. Everyone made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood the procedure. I think the doctors are very nice here. They answer all the questions I may have. They make sure that I feel calm and at ease. It’s actually really hard to find an office that actually gets back to you and they always gave me a call back, which I find just awesome. I will definitely be coming here again. I already told my family and friends that I came here, how great it was. I would absolutely recommend Oral Surgery Group to everyone else."
Decades of Trusted Care
Start your journey to better oral health and a more confident smile at Oral Surgery Group. Our compassionate team of specialists will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make you feel like a part of our family. Learn more about us or schedule an appointment.