Oral Medicine

Oral medicine is a specialty of dentistry related to the management of the soft tissue diseases of the mouth. This involves the diagnosis and non-surgical management of medical conditions in the mouth and nearby structures. Many systemic diseases have signs and symptoms that manifest in the orofacial area. 

• Dry mouth conditions (xerostomia)
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Oral ulcerations
• Oral soft tissue growths
• Oral auto-immune conditions
• Lichen planus
• Diagnosis and follow up of pre-malignant lesions such as leukoplakias (white lesions) or erythroplakias (red lesions)
• Management of the dental and oral conditions of medically compromised patients such as cancer patients suffering from related oral infections (mucositis or thrush), necrosis of the jaw as a result of medications (bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws) or oral pathology related to radiation therapy.

Oral Cancer Screenings

An oral cancer screening just may save your life!
Cancer is a disease that occurs when uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body occurs. These cells are referred to as malignant and cancerous. Oral cancer occurs on the lips (usually the lower lip), inside the mouth, salivary glands, tonsils, on the back of the throat, oesophagus, and the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth.

Signs and symptoms of Oral Cancer

• Mouth sores that don’t heal
• Mouth sores that bleed spontaneously
• Velvety white, red or speckled (red and white) patches in the mouth that is persistent
• Hard, raised lesions (bumps), crusts, eroded areas on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth
• Persistent pain in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving of the tongue
• Oral auto-immune conditions, such as lichen planus

A cancer screening is a precautionary measure, and not diagnostic. If it is found that there is nothing to worry about, the patient may be requested to return for a follow-up appointment to monitor the area/areas for any changes that may take place over time.

An oral cancer screening is both a visual and physical evaluation of the oral cavity and surrounding areas of the face and neck. A screening may be done on a patient’s request to set their mind at ease, or as result of a referral from another physician who may be concerned about the patient’s health. 

Biopsies 

Should Dr Stander find that there is need for further investigation to get a diagnosis of a certain symptom, a biopsy may be required. Keep in mind that results which may require further investigation are not necessarily a cancer diagnosis. Many oral conditions present with similar signs and symptoms; thus, the results need to be narrowed down for a definitive diagnosis.
A biopsy is a simple procedure done in the dental chair, during which the area of concern is anaesthetised (numbed) and a small piece of the tissue is excised. This is then sent to the pathology laboratory for analysis and diagnosis. The results are returned to us within a week after which the patient will be consulted for the removal of the sutures and to discuss the biopsy results. Maintenance and treatment will depend on the biopsy results.