Oral Pathology

Detect, Diagnose, & Treat Oral Diseases

The mouth is crucial in many different everyday tasks, which is why it is so important to protect yourself against oral and maxillofacial pathology. Oral pathology is a term that encompasses any disease of the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, or other oral structures. While many types of oral pathology are benign and treatable, some diseases, such as oral cancer or severe infections, can have serious consequences if left untreated.

At Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Ben Johnson, Dr. Sohaib Soliman, Dr. Hwi Sean Moon, Dr. Kevin Huang, and Dr. Michael Baily all have specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology. Because many oral diseases have no painful or uncomfortable symptoms at early stages, our surgeons recommend frequent oral examinations as the best way to prevent oral pathology from developing. If you or your dentist notices any changes or abnormalities in the shape, color, or texture of your mouth’s lining, contact our office to schedule an oral examination with one of our skilled oral surgeons.

Types of Oral Pathology

The sooner an oral pathology is detected, the more successful the treatment. There are many different types of oral disease, but some more common pathologies such as:

• Chronic ulcers
• Oral cysts and tumors
• Salivary gland diseases
• Oral fungal diseases (oral candidiasis, etc.)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Infections
• Oral cancers

We provide treatment for the pathology of both the soft and hard tissues of the oral region. All of our offices in Washington are equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology to create detailed digital images of facial structures. We also offer anesthesia and sedation options to patients undergoing any type of procedure in order to maximize comfort.

Symptoms to Look For

We routinely perform oral examinations and biopsies on patients who are referred for the diagnosis and treatment of suspicious symptoms. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing the beginnings of a pathologic process:

• Red or white patches of discoloration in the mouth
• Changes in the thickness of the mucosa (lining of the mouth)
• New lumps or structures forming
• Sores that will not heal
• Pain or swelling in the face or jaws
• A chronic sore throat or dryness in the throat
• Any sudden changes in the color, shape, or texture of your mouth or oral structures

Our oral surgeons recommend performing self-examinations every month. Use your fingers to feel around your mouth and use a mirror to look for any abnormalities. If you believe you may have an oral pathology, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Most oral pathology is treatable if caught early. For more severe conditions, such as oral cancer, our doctors can often repair or reconstruct portions of the face that have been affected. We have offices located in Auburn, Federal Way, Renton, Maple Valley, Puyallup, and Burien, WA, to treat oral pathologies and improve the health of our patients.