Oral Pathology & Infection Care in the Charlotte Area
Whether you have a mouth sore, infection, oral lesion, or a tumor/cyst in your jaws that needs evaluation and treatment, Dr. George Soung provides expert oral pathology Charlotte NC at West Ballantyne Oral Surgery. As a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, he was trained during his residency in the diagnosis and management of oral and head/neck pathology, so the same surgeon who evaluates your condition is the one who treats it. We accept major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna, and evaluate urgent dental infections during business hours. Contact us for an evaluation and let our board-certified team help.
What Is Oral Pathology? (Conditions We Evaluate and Treat)
Oral pathology involves the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the mouth, jaw, and surrounding tissues. Dr. Soung sees patients for a wide range of conditions. Our Oral Surgery & Specialty Services page outlines the full scope of care available.
Oral Lesions and Unexplained Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can appear as white or red patches, bumps, ulcers, or lumps. While many are harmless, some require further investigation. Dr. Soung examines each lesion carefully to determine whether it is benign, reactive, or potentially serious.
Oral Infections and Dental Abscesses
Infections in the teeth or gums can spread quickly and cause swelling, pain, and fever. Call the office and describe your symptoms — see our Urgent Oral Surgery Care page — and Dr. Soung can drain an abscess, prescribe antibiotics, or perform an extraction when necessary.
Cysts and Tumors of the Jawbone
Cysts and tumors can develop within the jawbone itself, often without any pain and sometimes without a single outward sign — many are first spotted on a routine dental X-ray. The great majority are benign, but benign does not mean harmless. Left untreated, a cyst or tumor can continue to expand inside the bone, damage the roots of nearby healthy teeth, encroach on vital anatomical structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve or the sinus, weaken the jaw enough to risk fracture, and in advanced cases cause facial disfigurement. Dr. Soung evaluates these lesions with in-house 3D CT imaging, which shows the exact size, position, and borders of the lesion, and then removes or manages it surgically with the goal of preserving as much healthy bone, tooth structure, and nerve function as possible.
When a Biopsy Is Needed
Not every lesion requires a biopsy. Dr. Soung recommends one when a sore does not heal, changes in appearance, or has features that could indicate cancer or pre-cancer. An oral lesion biopsy Charlotte NC is a minor procedure that provides a definitive diagnosis.
Definitive Answers, Quickly
In-Office Biopsy
A few minutes under local anesthetic, sent to a pathology lab.
5–10 Business Days
Dr. Soung calls you personally to explain the findings.
Infection Management
Abscess drainage and antibiotics during business hours.
Jaw Cysts & Tumors
Diagnosed with in-house 3D CT and treated surgically by Dr. Soung.
Cancer Screening
Included in every pathology exam, at no extra visit.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Delaying a biopsy or ignoring a persistent sore can allow infection or disease to progress. Early identification of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for extensive surgery.
What Happens If a Lesion or Infection Goes Untreated
A lesion that appears harmless may sometimes be early-stage oral cancer. If left undiagnosed, it can spread to lymph nodes and become harder to treat. Likewise, untreated dental infections can move into the jaw, neck, or bloodstream, requiring hospital-level care. Prompt evaluation at our practice keeps treatment simpler and less invasive.
What a Pathology Evaluation with Dr. Soung Involves
Dr. Soung is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He completed his residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center, where diagnosis and management of oral and head/neck pathology was a core part of his training, and served as Chief Resident.
What to expect at each stage. Most patients arrive because their own dentist spotted something and wanted a surgeon's opinion — exactly the right call. Here is what happens once you are here.
| Stage | What Happens | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Examination | Dr. Soung examines the lesion, reviews your history, and takes imaging on site if needed | Your first visit |
| Biopsy, if indicated | A minor in-office procedure under local anesthetic; the sample goes to a pathology lab | Often the same visit |
| Results | Dr. Soung calls you personally to explain the pathology report and what it means | 5–10 business days |
| Infection management | Drainage, antibiotics, or extraction — under sedation if you prefer | As soon as we can schedule you |
| Coordination | We work directly with pathologists and specialists, and report back to your dentist | Throughout |
Having the examination, imaging, and biopsy under one roof means fewer appointments and a faster path to a definitive answer.
What to Expect at Your Pathology Appointment
Consultation and Examination
Dr. Soung will review your medical history and examine your mouth, feeling for lumps or tenderness. He may take a photograph for the record. The exam is quick and painless.
Biopsy Procedure (If Required)
If a biopsy is needed, Dr. Soung numbs the area with local anesthetic. He removes a small tissue sample (usually about the size of a pencil eraser) and sends it to a pathology lab. The procedure takes just a few minutes. In most cases Sedation & Anesthesia options are available if you are anxious.
Results and Next Steps
Results are typically ready within 5 to 10 business days. Dr. Soung will call you personally to explain the findings. If the biopsy shows a benign condition, no further treatment may be needed. If it reveals infection, dysplasia, or cancer, he will guide you through the appropriate treatment plan, which may involve an extraction or referral to an oncologist.
Oral Cancer Screening in the Charlotte Area
Routine oral cancer screening is part of every pathology exam. Dr. Soung checks for red or white patches, unusual lumps, and asymmetry in the face or neck. If you have a family history of oral cancer or use tobacco, regular screening is especially important. Our practice offers thorough screenings that can catch problems at their earliest, most treatable stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Pathology
Any mouth sore that does not heal within two weeks, grows larger, bleeds easily, or is accompanied by numbness or pain should be evaluated by an oral surgeon. Dr. Soung can examine the area and determine if a biopsy is needed to rule out oral cancer or other pathology.
A biopsy is a straightforward in-office procedure. Dr. Soung numbs the area with local anesthetic, removes a small sample of the lesion, and sends it to a pathologist for analysis. Most biopsies take just a few minutes and are well tolerated with minimal discomfort afterward.
Biopsy results typically come back within 5 to 10 business days. Dr. Soung will contact you directly with the results and discuss any recommended next steps based on the pathology report.
Call the office as soon as you notice swelling or pain and describe what is happening. We will get the details to Dr. Soung and schedule you as quickly as we can for drainage, antibiotics, or extraction if needed. If you have facial swelling with fever, swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency department rather than waiting for an office appointment.
Most dental and medical insurance plans cover oral pathology evaluations and biopsies when they are medically necessary. We accept Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and many other major plans. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for details.
Ready When You Are
Whether you are coming in for a wisdom teeth consultation, an implant evaluation, or an urgent situation, we will take care of you. Step into a practice designed with your comfort and ease in mind.