Oral Pathology
Identify, Diagnose, and Treat Oral Disease
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to identify and treat abnormalities in the oral cavity. A strange lump or patch in the mouth could indicate the presence of an oral disease or oral cancer, and early detection is key to successful treatment.
Signs of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases
It’s important to attend regular checkups with your general dentist, who examines your mouth for unusual bumps or possible indications of oral cancer. You should also perform a self-exam once a month. To do this, simply feel around your gums, under your tongue, inside your cheeks, and on the roof of your mouth with your fingers. Look at your mouth in the mirror from every angle and look for these signs:
- White and red patches
- Sores that easily bleed or do not heal
- A thickened lump on your gums
- Constant sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
If you notice any of these changes on your cheeks, lips, tongue, face, palate, or gums, please contact us to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams.
Treating Oral Pathologies
During your consultation at our Walnut Creek, CA, office, we may take 3D scans using our state-of-the-art technology as well as discuss your options for anesthesia, if a surgical procedure is necessary.
After your examination, Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams may take a biopsy and send a sample to the lab. Once the diagnosis is in, he will design a treatment plan based on the results. Benign lumps or growths can be removed, while prescription medication can alleviate rashes or sores. The majority of oral pathology cases are not cancerous, but it is crucial to seek a professional opinion.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Oral Pathology and other procedures.
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson
Walnut Creek
"I really respect and appreciate the fact that Dr. Karas is an MD. He's up-to-date with all the latest techniques, and he's really committed to what he does, and he really is committed to being the best he can be, and it shows in his care. I will continue to refer my patients to Dr. Karas."
"When I first walked into the practice, I felt refreshed. It's a very new and modern environment and everybody was really welcoming at the front desk. Dr. Karas for me from the moment I met him just made me feel like family. Very warm, very professional."
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was impressed by his knowledge and the fact that he had seen every scenario when it had came to wisdom teeth. I felt very welcomed and like I was in good hands, that he knew he was doing, and he clearly answered all my questions. "
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was very impressed. He was friendly. He was direct, explained everything that he was going to do before he did it."
"Dr. Karas' staff has always been very professional, very helpful, very welcoming. Dr. Karas is a very open and very friendly doctor. He has been very thorough in his explanations of what he's doing."
"When I first walked into the practice, it was check you in, sit down, and in a few minutes, you're seeing the doctor. Dr. Karas exudes confidence and makes you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Recovery was quick. I, at this point, couldn't even tell you which teeth are implants and which ones aren't implants."
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
"Dr. Karas, he's an amazing individual, professional, but most of all, a caring person. My procedure, it went well."
" When I first walked into this practice, I felt that I was the most important person in that moment, and that was important to me. Dr. Karas has a way of relating to his patients. I felt comfortable with him in terms of his professionalism and care. The staff explained everything to me and made me feel at ease."
How Can We Help You?
Contact our office to schedule an appointment or use the buttons below to learn more about our practice.