At The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana, we often hear from patients who are concerned about abnormal growths along their gums, tongues, or the inside of their cheeks. Any unidentified growth can certainly be concerning, but the first thing we tell patients is not to panic. Not only can we provide complete diagnostic services, but we can also ensure the proper treatment to address any malignancies. We are pleased to offer full-scope oral pathology services at our oral surgery practice in Covington, LA.
What is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology is all about identifying abnormalities within the mouth, which often turn out to be cysts, lesions, or in some cases, tumors. Once we arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we can typically provide comprehensive treatment in-house. We refer patients to specialists, including oncologists, as needed, but this is more the exception than the rule; the vast majority of cases we can treat simply and successfully here in our office.
To help diagnose abnormalities in the mouth, we employ a range of tools. You can anticipate a physical examination, dental scans, and potentially a biopsy, as well. Once we have a clear idea of what we are dealing with, we provide full patient education, alerting them to any risks they face and walking them through their treatment options.
Do I Need to See an Oral Pathology Specialist?
If you have a growth in your mouth that you cannot account for (for instance, if you feel confident it is not just a cold sore), it may be best to meet with an oral pathology specialist. If nothing else, it can provide you with peace of mind to know you are not dealing with cancer or a similar malignancy. If you do have something serious, early detection helps to ensure successful treatment.
Signs You Need an Oral Pathology Specialist
We certainly recommend making an oral pathology appointment for any abnormalities that interfere with your everyday life, including your ability to chew, swallow, or speak as normal. Additionally, we recommend seeing an oral pathology specialist if you are dealing with any of the following:
- Red- or white-colored patches in the mouth
- Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
- Mouth sores that bleed easily or do not seem to heal with time
Meet Your Oral Pathology Specialist
At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, all oral pathology appointments are handled by Dr. Joshua S. Brandner, our founding provider. Dr. Brandner is well-regarded not just for his clinical knowledge but also for his compassionate approach. He spends as much time as it takes to educate patients, answer their questions, empower them in their decision-making, and reassure them about their likely outcomes. To get to know Dr. Brandner even better, we recommend checking out his personal bio.
Will My Oral Pathology Appointment Be Painful?
Some patients are anxious about seeing us for an oral pathology appointment. Allow us to reassure you that these appointments yield little or no discomfort. Most of what we do involves a simple physical assessment or a collection of dental scans, which work in much the same way as the X-rays you get at the dentist, or a CT scan you might get from your regular doctor.
If we need to collect a biopsy sample, you may feel a quick pinprick from the needle, but beyond that, our patients say their oral pathology appointments are perfectly comfortable.
Schedule an Appointment with an Oral Pathology Specialist
Strange or unidentifiable growths can naturally cause concern, but an oral pathology visit can set your mind at ease. We welcome you to schedule a diagnostic appointment with Dr. Brandner today. Reach out to our oral surgery practice in the Covington, LA area whenever you are ready. Call us at (985) 687-1616.
Patient Reviews
“Truly a great doctor who cares about his patients. His sense of humor also made us feel at ease… Thanks for being you, Dr. Brandner!”
– Happy Patient
