At Greenwich Oral Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons evaluate and diagnose oral pathology concerns through advanced biopsy procedures and thorough tissue analysis. We provide precise diagnosis and treatment for suspicious lesions, abnormal growths, and other oral findings in a modern surgical environment focused on your comfort and safety.
Greenwich Oral Surgery provides comprehensive oral pathology services, combining advanced diagnostic technology with extensive surgical experience. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to recognize subtle changes indicating pathological processes, performing thorough evaluations and biopsies when necessary. We work closely with specialized pathology laboratories and oncology teams to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for every patient presenting with oral abnormalities.
Oral pathology manifests through various warning signs that warrant professional evaluation. Persistent white or red patches inside your mouth, sores that don’t heal within two weeks, unexplained lumps or thickening of oral tissues, and chronic pain or numbness in your mouth or jaw all require examination. Changes in how your teeth fit together, difficulty swallowing or moving your tongue, and persistent hoarseness or sore throat may also indicate underlying pathology. Regular self-examination of your mouth, combined with routine dental visits, allows for early detection when treatment is most effective.
Our diagnostic approach begins with a comprehensive clinical examination of all oral tissues, including visual inspection and palpation of suspicious areas. Advanced 3D cone beam CT imaging reveals bone involvement and helps determine lesion extent. When pathology is suspected, we perform biopsy procedures to obtain tissue samples for laboratory analysis. Incisional biopsies remove a portion of abnormal tissue, while excisional biopsies remove the entire lesion. All specimens are sent to specialized oral pathology laboratories for microscopic examination and definitive diagnosis. This thorough process ensures an accurate identification of your conditions.
Our surgeons diagnose and treat a wide range of oral pathological conditions. Benign cysts and tumors, including dentigerous cysts and ameloblastomas, require surgical removal and monitoring. Oral mucosal lesions such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia need biopsy evaluation and management. Salivary gland pathology, including blocked ducts and salivary stones, may require surgical intervention. We also manage jaw bone lesions and other abnormal growths requiring excision. When biopsy results indicate serious pathology, we coordinate care with specialists and provide comprehensive treatment planning.
Biopsy procedures allow definitive diagnosis of suspicious oral lesions through microscopic tissue examination. Incisional biopsies remove a small portion of abnormal tissue for analysis, typically performed under local anesthesia in our office. Excisional biopsies completely remove smaller lesions along with a margin of healthy tissue, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes depending on lesion size and location. Tissue samples are immediately sent to specialized oral pathology laboratories for microscopic examination. Results typically return within 7-10 days, at which point we schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss findings and recommend appropriate treatment if needed. Most biopsy sites heal within two weeks with minimal discomfort.
While not all oral pathology is preventable, understanding risk factors helps you reduce your chances of developing serious conditions. Tobacco use in any form—including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco—significantly increases risk of oral lesions and malignancies. Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco, compounds these risks. Excessive sun exposure contributes to lip pathology. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been linked to certain oral conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental examinations, and performing monthly self-examinations of your mouth enable early detection when treatment is most effective. If you notice persistent changes in your oral tissues, seek professional evaluation promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Early detection and accurate diagnosis of oral pathology require specialized surgical expertise and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons combine comprehensive clinical evaluation with state-of-the-art imaging technology to identify and treat conditions ranging from benign lesions to serious pathology requiring immediate intervention.
Our diagnostic approach utilizes cutting-edge imaging and biopsy techniques for accurate pathology identification. 3D cone beam CT scans reveal bone involvement and lesion extent that standard X-rays cannot detect. Digital photography documents lesion appearance and tracks changes over time. When biopsy is indicated, we perform both incisional and excisional procedures using precise surgical techniques to obtain optimal tissue samples. All specimens are sent to specialized oral pathology laboratories for microscopic examination, ensuring definitive diagnosis that guides appropriate treatment planning.
Our surgeons' hospital-based training and years of experience enable accurate recognition of suspicious oral lesions requiring further evaluation. Board certification and ongoing continuing education ensure we remain current with the latest diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for oral pathology. This specialized knowledge proves essential when distinguishing between benign conditions and more serious pathology, allowing us to provide appropriate recommendations and coordinate care with oncology specialists when needed.
We understand the anxiety that comes with discovering unusual oral lesions or receiving a pathology referral. Our team prioritizes clear communication throughout the diagnostic process, explaining findings in understandable terms and discussing all treatment options. From initial evaluation through biopsy, diagnosis, and any necessary surgical treatment, we provide compassionate care while maintaining the clinical expertise required for optimal outcomes. We coordinate with your referring dentist and any specialists involved in your care to ensure comprehensive management of your oral health.
Biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing oral pathology, providing definitive tissue diagnosis guiding treatment decisions. Our surgeons perform biopsies with minimal discomfort and optimal tissue sampling.
Discovering unusual changes in your mouth can be concerning. Understanding oral pathology diagnosis and treatment helps you make informed decisions about your care. Below are answers to common questions about oral pathology evaluation and management.
Seek evaluation for any persistent white or red patches inside your mouth, sores that don’t heal within two weeks, unexplained lumps or thickening of oral tissues, or chronic pain or numbness in your mouth or jaw. Changes in how your teeth fit together, difficulty swallowing or moving your tongue, and persistent hoarseness or sore throat also warrant examination. While many oral lesions are benign, early evaluation ensures timely diagnosis and treatment when serious pathology is present.
Your evaluation begins with a comprehensive clinical examination of all oral tissues, including your tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat. We review your medical history and any risk factors that may contribute to oral pathology. Advanced imaging such as 3D cone beam CT scans may be used to evaluate bone involvement or lesion extent. If abnormal tissue is identified, we perform a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. The entire evaluation typically takes 30-45 minutes, and biopsy results return within 7-10 days.
Biopsy procedures are performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Most patients experience only mild pressure or tugging sensations. After the anesthesia wears off, you may have some soreness at the biopsy site, which is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Most biopsy sites heal within two weeks. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions and remain available to address any concerns during your recovery.
If biopsy results indicate serious pathology requiring specialized treatment, we schedule a consultation to discuss findings in detail and explain all treatment options. We coordinate care with oncology specialists, radiation oncologists, or other medical professionals as needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Our surgeons can perform surgical removal of lesions when appropriate and maintain close follow-up throughout your treatment. Early detection through biopsy significantly improves treatment outcomes for serious oral pathology.
We’re proud to serve patients throughout the tri-state area with multiple convenient locations across Connecticut and New York. Our flagship practice in Greenwich, Connecticut, features brand-new, state-of-the-art surgical suites designed to provide the highest level of care in a modern, comfortable setting. We also maintain offices in Darien, Connecticut, Westport, Connecticut and Purchase, New York, ensuring accessible, premium oral and maxillofacial surgery services for patients throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Whether you’re coming from Old Greenwich, Riverside, Stamford, New Canaan, or the surrounding communities, our Board Certified oral surgeons are ready to provide the advanced surgical care you deserve close to home.
