John R. Kalmar, D.M.D., Ph.D. - Burning Mouth Syndrome Specialists

Mouth Diseases
Mouth Diseases Overview
Last Reviewed: Dec 17, 2004
Copyright ¨? 2005 University of Cincinnati
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (Mouth Diseases) is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the non-surgical treatment of conditions occurring in the head and neck region.
Patients with mouth diseases can be seen by a variety of doctors, but oral and maxillofacial pathology is the only specialty of dentistry or medicine that concentrates specifically on the diagnosis (both clinically and microscopically) and non-surgical treatment of conditions that affect the mouth. Tooth problems are usually seen by the general dentist, while periodontal (gum) diseases are usually treated by a specialist called a periodontist. Problems caused by cavities and gum disease are the most common mouth disorders, but a wide variety of other diseases can affect the mouth and adjacent tissues. These diseases can be confusing to a doctor who has not been trained to recognize their frequently subtle distinguishing features. The oral and maxillofacial pathologist, on the other hand, is taught to recognize these subtle differences and make the most appropriate diagnosis. In some cases, diagnosis may require a biopsy or other tests to confirm or supplement the clinical findings. Once the correct diagnosis is made, the correct treatment can be provided.
Some of the conditions that would be evaluated by an oral pathologist would include canker sores (an immune-mediated condition), burning mouth syndrome (a nerve disorder), cold sores (a herpes virus infection), smokeless tobacco keratosis (in most cases, a harmless callous-type change), leukoplakia (a precancerous condition), geographic tongue (an inflammatory disorder), and oral lichen planus (another immune-mediated condition). Overall, the types of conditions seen by oral and maxillofacial pathologists include viral and fungal infections, tumors of the soft tissues of the mouth as well as the jawbones, autoimmune diseases and disorders of the salivary glands. As specialists in the area of mouth diseases, oral and maxillofacial pathologists are usually able to determine the proper diagnosis more quickly and with a minimal amount of diagnostic testing compared to other practitioners. Ultimately, this permits the patient to receive proper therapy earlier and more cost-effectively.
John R. Kalmar, D.M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dental Faculty Practice
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University
Dr. John Kalmar Oral/Maxillofacial Pathology
Columbus, OH 43218-2357
(585) 275-1584