Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a term that describes diseases of the jaws, facial muscles, oral cavity, temporomandibular joint, etc. Our maxillofacial area is an important part of how we communicate with others, enjoy food, and conditions that affect its appearance can have a serious and lasting impact on our self-image. Dr. David Carl Obenchain combines specialized training with years of experience to provide effective and compassionate care to patients facing pathologies of the face and neck.
What Types of Maxillofacial Pathologies Are There?
There are many different kinds of maxillofacial pathologies, ranging from relatively benign to life-threatening. Among them can be found:
- Cleft
Lip & Palate – A
split in the lip or palate that can impact appearance, speech, and
eating. In severe cases, food can pass from the mouth, through the
cleft, and into the sinus passages.
- Macroglossia
– This condition is
relatively rare, and is typified by the enlargement of the tongue.
This condition can be part of an inherited condition or one that is
acquired through a patient’s life.
- Ankyloglossia
– When a patient’s
lingual frenulum, the piece of flesh that ties the tongue to the
bottom of the mouth, is shorter or thicker than normal this
condition, also known as a tongue-tie, is the result.
- Torus
mandibularis – A bony
growth that develops along the internal surface of the jaw closest
to the tongue. They typically appear by the premolars.
- Bacterial
Diseases – Periodontitis,
Scarlet Fever, gingivitis, and other bacterial conditions also fall
under the umbrella of maxillofacial pathologies.
- Viral
Conditions – Mumps and
Herpes simplex are just a couple of the potential viral conditions
that a specialist will treat.
- Oral
Cancer – When cancerous
tissue forms on the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, or oral floor.
This list accounts for just some of the conditions that a maxillofacial specialist addresses in their patients. In addition, there are degenerative diseases, those caused by environmental factors, and even those whose actual cause is unknown, such as geographic tongue.
How Are Maxillofacial Pathologies Diagnosed?
The specific methods used for diagnosing a maxillofacial pathology is dependent on the nature of that pathology. In some cases, a mere visual examination will reveal the nature of the concern. In other cases, a test swab may need to be taken, especially in the case of bacterial or viral concerns. In cases where cancer or genetic concerns are suspected, a biopsy may be needed to excise sample tissue allowing closer examination.
Dr. David Carl Obenchain provides treatment for his patient family in the Seattle, WA area from his offices at Wisdom Teeth & Oral Surgery Center of Seattle. If you have concerns about your maxillofacial health or suspect you may be experiencing a maxillofacial pathology, call for an appointment. When you reach out to us at 206-561-2345, our friendly staff will schedule your visit, take a short description of your health concern, and will inform you how to prepare for your arrival. We look forward to meeting you at our office and being an important part of your oral health future.
