Oral Medicine

The Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) Oral Medicine department provides expert, specialized care for oral health diseases and disorders and dental care for patients with complex medical problems.

What Is Oral Medicine?

Oral medicine is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing and treating oral health issues ranging from common dental problems to rare and complex conditions. It can also help improve overall health.

Oral medicine refers to the oral healthcare of patients with medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region. It integrates medicine and dentistry to promote patients’ optimum health. Oral medicine specialists at PDM use clinical and diagnostic techniques for diagnosing and nonsurgical managing medically related oral disorders and conditions.

What Do Oral Medicine Specialists Treat?

Penn oral medicine specialists work at the intersection of dentistry and medicine. They are uniquely trained to address a wide range of oral health issues, including oral cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain conditions, and oral manifestations of systemic diseases. Through their specialized training in both dentistry and medicine, these experts can accurately diagnose complex conditions that affect the mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures, such as:

• Diseases of the oral mucous membranes or mouth lining and lips.
• Salivary gland diseases and dry mouth disorders.
• Facial pain syndromes and oral or facial nerve pain.
• Halitosis, or bad breath.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and jaw muscle conditions.

What Kind of Training Does an Oral Medicine Specialist Have?

Penn oral medicine specialists undergo extensive training in dentistry and medicine to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of oral health issues. This specialized field requires advanced knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing complex conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial region. Their expertise allows oral medicine specialists to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

To become an oral medicine specialist, individuals must first complete a dental degree, followed by additional training in oral medicine through a residency program or fellowship. This training includes coursework in oral pathology, oral radiology, and diseases in the oral cavity. Oral medicine specialists also learn how to perform specialized diagnostic tests and procedures to diagnose and treat various oral health conditions accurately. At PDM, all our oral medicine specialists have dental and medical degrees.

Do Oral Medicine Specialists Work With Other Healthcare Providers?

Oral medicine specialists work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions. By collaborating with primary care physicians, oncologists, rheumatologists, and other specialists, oral medicine specialists can coordinate treatment plans and provide integrated care. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a holistic view of the patient’s health and helps ensure they receive the best possible treatment outcomes.

Additionally, oral medicine specialists may consult with other healthcare providers to discuss cases, share expertise, and develop interdisciplinary treatment plans for patients with complicated medical and dental issues. This collaboration helps ensure patients receive the most effective care tailored to their needs.

Why is Oral Medicine Important?

Serious systemic diseases often affect the oral cavity. Occasionally, that is the first presentation of a serious bodily condition before it becomes apparent to a physician. Oral medicine doctors are often the first to diagnose a health problem where a delay in diagnosis could have serious consequences.

With this unique knowledge base that covers both dentistry and medicine, oral medicine doctors use their expertise to manage oral diseases. By helping to manage these conditions, oral medicine doctors improve the quality of life of many patients who otherwise would go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or poorly treated.

When Should I See an Oral Medicine Specialist?

If you are experiencing any of the oral health issues mentioned above, it’s a wise decision to schedule an appointment with an oral medicine specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs.

Additionally, if your primary care physician or dentist has referred you for further evaluation of a concerning oral health issue, a Penn oral medicine specialist can provide expert care and guidance.

At Penn Dental Medicine, our commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care started back in 1878 and continues strong today. You can trust us with all of your oral health concerns.

To schedule an appointment, simply complete and submit the form below.