ORAL MEDICINE & TMJ
What is Oral Medicine
Oral Medicine is a specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of medical conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. This discipline focuses on the oral health care of medically complex patients. Oral Medicine is primarily a non-surgical specialty, with treatments often involving diagnostic biopsies, small excisions, therapeutic injections, and other minor surgical interventions. Many conditions are managed with topical and systemic medications, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Key Aspects of Oral Medicine:
Diagnosis and Management: Oral Medicine specialists are trained to identify and treat a wide range of oral and maxillofacial conditions, providing essential care for patients with complex medical histories.
Non-Surgical Treatments: Most treatments in Oral Medicine do not involve surgery, focusing instead on medical management and minor procedures.
Collaboration with Medical Specialists: Oral Medicine professionals often work closely with other medical experts in fields such as oncology, immunology, and dermatology to provide holistic care.
Oral Medicine specialists are experts in diagnosing and managing a wide variety of conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial region. Their expertise ensures that patients receive comprehensive and effective treatment plans tailored to their specific health needs.
Conditions Managed by Oral Medicine Specialists
Oral Mucosal Diseases such as oral lichen planus, aphthous ulcers, pemphigoid and pemphigus, leukoplakia, and oral manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and coeliac disease)
Salivary Gland Diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, salivary gland pathologies (caysing dry mouth, swelling, and pain)
Oral Complications from Systemic Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Oral Complications from Cancer Treatments such as mucositis, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), osteonecrosis of the jaws.
Chemosensory and Neurologic Impairments including burning mouth syndrome and atypical facial pain
Orofacial pain including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and trigeminal neuralgia
Why Choose an Oral Medicine Specialist?
Choosing an Oral Medicine specialist ensures that patients receive specialized care for conditions affecting their oral and maxillofacial health. These professionals have the training and expertise to diagnose complex conditions accurately and provide effective management strategies, improving overall health and quality of life.
By understanding what Oral Medicine is and the conditions managed by its specialists, patients can make informed decisions about their oral health care, leading to better health outcomes and a higher standard of care.
