Oral Pathology & Maxillofacial Surgery
Maxillofacial (Oral) Pathology Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Glendale CA
What does the word maxillofacial mean? It means relating to the jaws and face. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists. They treat conditions, defects, injuries and aesthetic parts of the mouth. Along with this, they also treat the teeth, jaws, and face.
What is oral pathology? It is a specialty of dentistry and area of pathology dealing with diseases of the mouth and jaw. For this reason, it deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases. Oral pathology researches and diagnoses diseases. This is through a combination of radiographic, clinical, and microscopic examinations.
The inside of the mouth has a special lining. This special type of skin (mucosa) is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following are beginning stage signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia);
- Whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth;
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds with ease;
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth;
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness;
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
These changes can show up on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology. Likewise, it is often not associated with oral cancer. But, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact Dr. Martin Stepanyan at Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center at (818) 551-0088 so we may help you.
Stepanyan Surgical Arts: Specializing in Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Martin Stepanyan, MD, DMD, FAACS, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon with over 15 years of excellent education, extensive training, and over 25 years of successful practice in the field of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery.
His background is particularly relevant in revision rhinoplasty, where surgeons often encounter scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage reserves, and changes to the nasal blood supply that are absent in primary procedures.
One of the distinguishing features of Dr. Stepanyan’s training is his rare combination of medical and dental degrees paired with advanced education in oral and maxillofacial surgery. That dual perspective provides a detailed understanding of both facial aesthetics and the underlying structural anatomy that supports long-term function.
Dr. Stepanyan completed residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, then pursued a fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Ohio State University under T. William Evans, MD, FACS, a respected cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. He graduated number one in his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with the highest honors (the number one in his class), grounding his approach in structural facial anatomy in a way most cosmetic-only surgeons do not train for.
Dr. Stepanyan has been board-certified since 2003, and now carries certification through 2033. He holds Fellow designations from both the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS), earned through documented expertise and peer recognition rather than membership alone.
Throughout his career, he has performed over 2,000 nasal surgeries in Los Angeles County, including primary, ethnic, functional, and revision cases.
His surgical experience extends beyond private practice through charitable craniofacial reconstructive missions to Ecuador, Armenia, and Russia, where he operated on complex pediatric and adult cases under significant resource constraints, the kind of work that sharpens the problem-solving revision rhinoplasty demands.
To better serve the diverse communities of Greater Los Angeles, such as Glendale, our practice offers care in English, Armenian, and Russian, allowing many patients to discuss highly personal concerns in the language they are most comfortable with.
Schedule A Consultation For A Maxillofacial (Oral) Pathology in Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Martin Stepanyan believes in changing his patients’ lives by providing truly individualized care. Offering state-of-the-art treatments and technologies paired with genuine expertise, Dr. Stepanyan will work with you to help you look and feel your best. Your next step is to meet with Dr. Stepanyan and the team at Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center today. Complete our online form or call us at (818) 551-0088. We look forward to meeting you soon!
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“Best decision I have ever made in my life was having Dr. Stepanyan be the surgeon for my rhinoplasty. I am SO happy with the outcome. I always get the best compliments on my nose. He is a true artist and professional.”
— Nicole M.