ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
Something feels off in your mouth, but you can’t quite explain it. Maybe it’s a sore that won’t heal, a white patch on your gum that appeared without explanation, or a lump beneath the surface of your cheek that you’ve been watching for weeks. Whatever it is, that instinct that commands you to pay attention could be the most vital step you take for your long-term health.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Chesapeake, our team is trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of oral and maxillofacial conditions. As part of our comprehensive oral surgery procedures, oral pathology services give patients in Chesapeake and the surrounding Hampton Roads region access to expert evaluation close to home. We are an independent, community-focused practice by choice, so our doctors have the flexibility to make decisions based on what is best for each patient and family.
Oral pathology is the branch of dentistry focused entirely on identifying and managing diseases of the mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures. This includes conditions that affect the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, and the floor and roof of the mouth, as well as deeper structures like the jawbone and salivary glands.
Many oral conditions are benign and treatable, but others require prompt attention to prevent progression. Oral surgeons are uniquely positioned to evaluate these conditions because of their advanced surgical training, understanding of the anatomical structures involved, and ability to perform biopsies and other diagnostic procedures in a clinical setting.
Not every change in your mouth is cause for alarm, but certain signs should always be evaluated by a specialist. Any abnormality that persists for more than two weeks without a clear cause calls for a professional examination. The following are the types of changes we frequently assess:
These are not exhaustive of every condition we evaluate, but they represent the most common reasons patients seek an oral pathology consultation.
The earlier an oral abnormality is identified, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcome tends to be. This is especially true for conditions that can progress if left untreated. Routine dental visits provide an important first line of screening, and general dentists frequently refer patients to our office when they spot something that requires closer examination. Early intervention often means a much simpler process for resolving any issues that are found.
When something unusual appears in or around your mouth, a structured evaluation is the first step toward understanding what it is and how to address it. Our process is thorough, unhurried, and designed to give you clear answers.
When you come in for an oral pathology evaluation at our Chesapeake office, we begin with a thorough clinical examination of the mouth and jaw. Dr. Peter Zagursky will review your medical and dental history, examine the area of concern, and discuss what he observes. Depending on the findings, additional imaging such as cone-beam CT imaging may be recommended to get a three-dimensional view of underlying structures, particularly when a bony lesion or mass is involved.
If the clinical examination reveals an area that cannot be definitively diagnosed by appearance alone, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. The results provide a definitive diagnosis and guide all subsequent treatment decisions. Our team performs biopsies with care and precision, and we discuss every aspect of the procedure with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
Oral surgeons complete four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training beyond dental school, which includes extensive experience with head and neck anatomy, tissue diagnosis, and surgical technique. This depth of training makes oral surgeons especially capable of evaluating complex or unusual findings in the mouth and jaw.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we also hold operating privileges at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, which means that patients with more complex medical needs can receive care in a hospital setting when appropriate. This level of access is not available at every practice and reflects the scope of care we can provide.
As a trusted, independent practice serving Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the broader Hampton Roads region, our doctors have the experience and commitment that patients have come to rely on. Because we are locally owned and operated, our doctors have the flexibility to make decisions based on what is best for each patient and family, and to build lasting relationships within the community we serve.
When something in your mouth doesn’t feel right, waiting and hoping it resolves on its own is rarely the best idea. Our team at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants brings surgical expertise, advanced diagnostic tools, and a patient-first approach to every oral pathology evaluation we perform. Dr. Goodove, Dr. Zagursky, and our Chesapeake team are here to give you answers, not anxiety, and to walk alongside you every step of the way.
If you have noticed any unusual changes in your mouth or have received a referral from your general dentist, we encourage you to reach out to us. Contact our Chesapeake office to schedule your consultation and get the answers you need.
Our patients tend to have the follwoing questions about oral pathology:
Most consultations at our Chesapeake office take about an hour. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough clinical examination of the mouth and jaw, and a discussion of your doctor’s findings. If imaging or a biopsy is recommended, additional time will be scheduled for those steps. We never rush through a pathology evaluation, because getting the full picture is essential to making the right recommendation.
Biopsies are typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. You may experience mild soreness or tenderness at the site for a day or two afterward, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Our team will walk you through what to expect and provide care instructions specific to your procedure.
Tissue samples are sent to an oral pathology laboratory for analysis. Results typically return within one to two weeks, depending on the lab. We will contact you as soon as we receive your results and discuss the findings with you in detail, along with any next steps that may be needed.
General dentists play an important role in detecting early signs of abnormalities during routine exams and are often the ones who initiate a referral. However, evaluating and managing oral pathology findings typically requires the advanced diagnostic tools, surgical training, and anatomical expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Complex or suspicious lesions require a higher level of assessment than a general practice can provide.
There are many possible causes, ranging from minor irritation or infection to more serious conditions that require treatment. Trauma, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, and tobacco use are among the more common causes. Some lesions, however, can indicate precancerous or cancerous changes that must be identified early. This is why any white or red patch that persists for more than two weeks without a clear cause should be evaluated by a specialist rather than monitored at home.
A referral is not required to schedule an oral pathology evaluation at our Chesapeake office, though many patients do come to us through their general dentist. If you’ve noticed an unusual change in your mouth that concerns you, you can contact us directly. Referring providers can also access our oral pathology referral information on our website to connect patients with our care.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
