Mercer island oral and maxillofacial surgery streelman oral pathology | mercer island oral & maxillofacial surgery

Maintaining robust oral health requires more than just routine teeth cleanings and consistent gum care. It also requires attentiveness to any abnormal growths or developments within the mouth. At Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, one of our top priorities is helping patients manage these issues. We are pleased to offer our experience in oral pathology, alerting patients in Mercer Island to any abnormalities and providing the right kind of care.

What Conditions Does an Oral Surgeon Treat?

Through a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums, our providers can help identify a number of potential problems. From there, we can either develop a treatment plan or in some cases recommend you to the necessary specialists. Note that, with most of these conditions, early intervention is crucial for ensuring an optimal outcome.

Some conditions that can be treated by an oral Surgeon include:

Mouth Cancer

If we identify any tumors, cysts, or other growths in your mouth, we can usually provide a preliminary assessment of whether they are cancerous or benign. For cancerous growths, we will refer you to a qualified specialist.

Mouth Ulcers

Chronic mouth sores can lead to a lot of discomforts. In some cases, they may also indicate underlying pathologies, potentially including cancer. Assessment of these mouth ulcers can point to some effective treatment options.

Jaw Problems

Cysts and tumors can be associated with teeth or the jaws. Sometimes these cause symptoms and are noted by the patient and other times they are noted during routine dental exams. In either case, a prompt evaluation and treatment is indicated. Thankfully the vast majority of these cysts and tumors are benign. They can however be locally aggressive resulting in destruction of the adjacent tissue if ignored. Treatment varies greatly depending on the diagnosis and will be discussed during your consultation.


When to See an Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, it is fairly obvious that you need to meet with an oral surgeon. If you are aware of new jaw misalignment or of unexplainable growths in your mouth, then we recommend seeking a diagnosis as promptly as possible.

Additionally, be aware of some of the less-obvious signs of oral cancer. Some of them include:

  • Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
  • Chronic sores or lesions inside the mouth
  • Red or white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks
  • Mouth sores that bleed excessively

If you notice any of these warning signs, we recommend seeing an oral surgeon. We are ready to assist you here at Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.


Get Early Intervention from a Skilled Oral Surgeon

Often, early detection of cancer and other oral pathologies makes a world of difference for our patients. Do not delay in seeking answers regarding your oral health concerns. Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can provide oral pathology exams for anyone from Mercer Island and Seattle. To make an appointment, contact our office online or call (206) 690-5417 at your next opportunity.