Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
Expert Diagnosis for Oral Diseases, Lesions & Unexplained Changes
Not every oral health concern is related to the teeth. Changes in the tissues of the mouth, jaws, tongue, lips, and salivary glands can sometimes signal conditions that require specialized evaluation.
Dr. Julia Price is a board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologist dedicated to diagnosing diseases affecting the mouth and surrounding structures. Working closely with your dentist, physician, and oral surgeon, she provides expert clinical evaluations and microscopic diagnosis to determine the cause of abnormal findings and guide appropriate treatment.
Meet Dr. Julia Price
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologist
Dr. Julia Price is a board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologist with advanced training in diagnosing diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, salivary glands, and surrounding tissues.
Her background as both a general dentist and oral pathologist allows her to provide a unique level of expertise for patients with oral lesions, persistent mouth sores, unusual tissue changes, and other complex oral conditions. She works closely with dentists, physicians, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to ensure every patient receives an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
What Is Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology?
Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology is a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association that focuses on diagnosing diseases affecting the:
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Lips
- Gums
- Salivary glands
- Jaw bones
- Facial tissues
An oral pathologist combines clinical examination with biopsy interpretation and microscopic evaluation to determine the underlying cause of abnormal findings. This specialized expertise helps ensure patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
When Should You See an Oral Pathologist?
If you notice any changes in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks, they should be evaluated.
Common reasons patients are referred include:
- White or red patches
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- Lumps or bumps
- Tongue abnormalities
- Persistent ulcers
- Oral pain or burning
- Pigmented (dark) lesions
- Salivary gland concerns
- Jaw cysts or tumors
- Suspicious growths
- Oral cancer screening
- Unexplained swelling
Conditions We Evaluate
Dr. Price provides diagnosis and management recommendations for a wide range of oral diseases and conditions, including:
- Oral cancer and precancerous lesions
- Oral lichen planus
- Autoimmune diseases affecting the mouth
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Mucosal diseases
- Salivary gland disorders
- Odontogenic cysts and tumors
- Benign oral growths
- Oral infections
- Pigmented lesions
- Bone pathology
- Oral manifestations of systemic disease
Biopsy Services
Sometimes the only way to determine the exact cause of an oral lesion is through a biopsy.
Our office performs biopsy procedures when appropriate, and every tissue specimen is carefully examined to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Price works closely with your healthcare team to develop the most appropriate treatment recommendations and follow-up care.
Why Choose Dr. Julia Price?
Board-Certified Specialist
Dr. Price is a board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologist with advanced training dedicated exclusively to diagnosing diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, and surrounding tissues.
Expertise in Complex Oral Diseases
From persistent mouth sores and oral lesions to salivary gland disorders and oral cancer evaluations, Dr. Price specializes in diagnosing conditions that often require advanced clinical expertise and microscopic evaluation.
Collaborative Care
She works closely with referring dentists, physicians, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, and other healthcare providers to ensure every patient receives an accurate diagnosis and coordinated treatment plan.
Advanced Diagnostic Expertise
By combining comprehensive clinical examinations with biopsy interpretation and microscopic evaluation, Dr. Price provides precise diagnoses that guide appropriate treatment.
Compassionate, Personalized Care
Every patient receives individualized attention in a comfortable, professional environment. Dr. Price takes the time to explain findings, answer questions, and help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
Convenient Specialty Care
Patients receive expert oral pathology services within Atlanta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, allowing for seamless evaluation, biopsy procedures when needed, and coordinated follow-up care—all in one location.
Why Referring Dentists Trust Dr. Julia Price
Dentists and healthcare providers throughout the region rely on Dr. Price for expert consultation and accurate diagnosis of oral diseases.
- Board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologist
- Comprehensive clinical evaluations
- Accurate and timely biopsy diagnosis
- Clear communication with referring providers
- Collaborative treatment planning
- Detailed pathology reports
- Commitment to exceptional patient care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral pathology?
Oral pathology is the specialty dedicated to diagnosing diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
Do I need a referral?
Many patients are referred by their dentist or physician, but appointments may also be scheduled directly depending on your needs.
Will I need a biopsy?
Not always. Some conditions can be diagnosed through a clinical examination alone, while others require a small tissue sample for microscopic evaluation.
Is a biopsy painful?
Most oral biopsies are performed using local anesthesia and are typically quick, comfortable procedures with minimal downtime.
How long should I wait before having a sore evaluated?
Any sore, ulcer, lump, or discoloration that has not healed within two weeks should be evaluated by a dental professional or oral pathologist.
When will I receive my biopsy results?
The timing varies depending on the complexity of the case, but Dr. Price carefully reviews every specimen to ensure an accurate diagnosis before discussing the results and treatment recommendations.
Request an Appointment
If you’ve noticed an unusual sore, lump, ulcer, discoloration, or any persistent change in your mouth, early evaluation is important. Dr. Julia Price provides expert diagnosis and works closely with your healthcare providers to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
