Oral pathology refers to the diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the soft tissues of the mouth, the jaws, the salivary glands, and the surrounding facial structures. The conditions encompassed within this field range widely — from common, benign findings such as canker sores, mucoceles, and fibromas to more serious concerns including precancerous lesions, oral cancer, salivary gland tumors, and bone-based pathology of the jaws. Because many oral diseases produce minimal symptoms in their early stages, regular professional evaluation is one of the most effective tools for catching problems while they are still highly treatable. Any persistent change in the tissues of the mouth — including discolored patches, unhealing sores, lumps, rough or thickened areas, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or numbness — warrants prompt evaluation by a specialist trained to distinguish benign findings from those requiring further intervention.
Dr. David Salehani is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the rare distinction of holding both a DDS and an MD — dental and medical degrees that provide a comprehensive foundation for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing the full range of oral pathology, from straightforward biopsies to complex tumor cases that require coordinated medical and surgical care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from State University of New York at Stony Brook, his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook School of Medicine, and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Salehani serves as faculty at UCLA Medical Center, has held a seat on the peer review board of the Los Angeles Dental Society for over seven years, and is past president of the Beverly Hills Academy of Dentistry — a depth of training that allows him to provide accurate diagnoses, perform biopsies in-office, and coordinate appropriate next steps when further specialty referral or treatment is indicated.
Conditions Evaluated and Treated
- Oral Cancer Screening: Comprehensive examination of the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, palate, and throat to identify suspicious lesions in the earliest stages, when treatment outcomes are best.
- Cysts and Tumors of the Jaw: Diagnostic workup and surgical removal of cystic lesions, odontogenic tumors, and other bone-based pathology of the upper and lower jaws.
- Soft Tissue Lesions: Evaluation and removal of fibromas, mucoceles, lipomas, and other benign growths of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and palate.
- Premalignant Lesions: Identification and management of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and lichen planus — conditions that may require monitoring or biopsy due to their potential to progress.
- Salivary Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of salivary stones, infections, and tumors involving the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.
- Infections of the Mouth and Jaw: Surgical management of dental abscesses, osteomyelitis, and other infections affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.
Warning Signs of Oral Pathology
Many oral diseases progress quietly in their early stages, which is why patient awareness and routine professional examination are so important. Patients should seek prompt evaluation if they notice any of the following persistent changes:
- White or Red Patches: Persistent discoloration of the gums, tongue, or cheek lining that does not resolve within two weeks.
- Non-Healing Sores: Ulcers or sores in the mouth or on the lip that do not heal within two to three weeks.
- Lumps or Thickening: Any new lump, bump, or thickened area in the soft tissues of the mouth, neck, or jaw.
- Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: New onset of difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, or pain when chewing.
- Numbness or Persistent Pain: Unexplained numbness, tingling, or chronic pain in the mouth, lip, or face.
- Loose Teeth Without Obvious Cause: Teeth that become loose without a history of trauma or established gum disease.
How an Oral Pathology Evaluation Works
A thorough oral pathology evaluation begins with a careful clinical examination and detailed health history. When suspicious findings are identified, Dr. Salehani may recommend additional imaging — such as 3D CT scans for jaw-based lesions — and a biopsy to obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis. Most biopsies are performed in-office under local anesthesia and produce minimal discomfort. Tissue samples are sent to an oral pathologist for microscopic analysis, with results typically available within seven to ten days. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Salehani reviews the findings directly with the patient, explains treatment options, and coordinates next steps — whether that involves surgical removal at our practice, referral for radiation or medical oncology when indicated, or a monitoring plan for benign lesions that do not require immediate intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Pathology
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Adults should have an oral cancer screening at least annually as part of routine dental care, with more frequent monitoring recommended for patients who use tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, have a history of HPV infection, or have previously had a precancerous oral lesion.
Is a biopsy painful?
Most oral biopsies are performed under local anesthesia and produce minimal discomfort during and after the procedure — patients typically experience only mild soreness for a few days, well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does it take to get biopsy results?
Biopsy results are typically available within seven to ten days, after which Dr. Salehani reviews the findings directly with the patient and explains the recommended next steps based on the diagnosis.
Are most oral lesions cancerous?
No — the vast majority of oral lesions evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon turn out to be benign, including common findings such as fibromas, mucoceles, and irritation-related lesions — but because some early-stage cancers can mimic benign conditions, professional evaluation is the only way to know for certain.
Will my insurance cover oral pathology evaluation and biopsy?
Most medical and dental insurance plans cover diagnostic evaluation and biopsy of suspicious oral lesions, particularly when there is concern for malignancy — the practice’s billing team can verify benefits before treatment.
What happens if a lesion turns out to be cancerous?
Dr. Salehani coordinates appropriate next steps based on the type, stage, and location of the cancer — this may include surgical removal at our practice for early-stage lesions, or coordinated referral to medical and radiation oncology specialists for more advanced cases requiring multidisciplinary treatment.
Schedule an Oral Pathology Evaluation in West Hollywood
If you have noticed a persistent change in the tissues of your mouth or have been referred for evaluation of an oral lesion, prompt assessment is the single most important step toward a positive outcome. Contact Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery at (310) 275-3635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Salehani at our West Hollywood office, serving patients throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the surrounding communities.
