Oral Pathology

Any changes to the look, feel, or function of your mouth should be evaluated by a qualified dental health professional. While most changes are benign, there are some changes that require prompt treatment.

As board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Livesay, Dr. Carey, and Dr. Naselsker are qualified to detect and manage oral disease. If you have noticed any changes in or around your mouth, we encourage you to contact one of our offices in Louisville and Bardstown, KY, for a comprehensive oral health evaluation.

Signs & Symptoms

It’s easy for changes in the mouth to go unnoticed because they often present with few signs and symptoms, if any. Your dentist will examine your mouth during your regular checkups, but it is recommended that you perform a self-exam of your mouth every month. Make sure to check your tongue, cheeks, gums, the roof of your mouth, and the lymph nodes under your jaw. This quick check will help familiarize you with how your mouth normally looks and feels; if any changes are detected, please contact us for an appointment.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Red and/or white patches in the mouth
• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A lump on the neck or in the mouth
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• A chronic hoarse voice or sore throat
• Numbness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

The sooner a change is detected and treated, the better. If you experience any of the symptoms above, or if there is any other change to your mouth, please contact us for a prompt evaluation. 

Oral Pathology Treatment

Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio creates custom treatment plans for every patient to ensure an optimal outcome and exceptional experience. The treatment you receive will be determined by your oral surgeon, who will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and perform a thorough oral evaluation. 3D scans may be taken.

A biopsy may be needed to determine the course of treatment. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of the tissue in question, which will be sent to a lab. Your oral surgeon will discuss the pathologist’s findings and proposed course of treatment with you, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.