Oral medicine is a specialty that requires four additional years of training.
The oral medicine residency begins only after completing six years of dental school. It is a multidisciplinary specialty that requires comprehensive knowledge of both dentistry and general medicine.
To read Dr. Rettman’s article on oral medicine on the Walla Health website, click here
Infectious diseases (such as candidiasis or herpes), reactive lesions (secondary to smoking, alcohol consumption or various medications), diagnosis and treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers, oral manifestations of skin and inflammatory diseases, and detection and diagnosis of precancerous conditions and malignant tumors.
Six major salivary glands and hundreds of minor salivary glands drain into the oral cavity.
Despite the large number of salivary glands, many patients suffer from dry mouth – whether due to multiple medications, various underlying conditions or treatments (such as radiation to the head and neck).
Beyond dry mouth, there are specific salivary gland diseases, such as recurrent swelling caused by salivary stones and autoimmune diseases that damage the gland’s duct system.
Diagnosing a salivary gland problem is complex and requires a range of tests, including blood tests, clinical examinations and various imaging methods, some of which are unique to the salivary glands.
Pain in the head and neck region, such as migraines, pain originating in the masticatory muscles, joint-related pain and pressure-type pain. Such pain may radiate to the teeth and lead to a misdiagnosis of a dental problem.
An oral medicine specialist has the knowledge and experience to examine all possible causes of the pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treating these disorders can take time and may include a range of pharmacological, psychological and physiotherapy treatments.
With increasing life expectancy and growing awareness of oral health, we dentists see patients every day with a complex medical background, living with a range of underlying conditions while taking multiple medications daily.
An oral medicine specialist knows how to weigh the considerations arising from these conditions and to adapt the treatment plan, as well as the steps required before, during and after treatment.
Underlying conditions that require special attention from the dentist include, among others: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney failure, osteoporosis, cancer and various anti-cancer treatments, respiratory diseases and more.
Many patients experience anxiety around dental treatment.
Despite the anxiety, a range of medications can be used to help the patient cope and even disconnect from the situation, allowing the dentist to perform the treatment.
Dental treatment under sedation and general anesthesia is also suitable in cases of uncontrolled tremor, lack of cooperation due to various underlying conditions, significantly limited mouth opening and more.
Oral medicine training also includes in-depth study of imaging methods and extensive experience in interpreting them, in order to reach a differential diagnosis of various findings.
A correct radiographic differential diagnosis can lead to further investigation, or prevent unnecessary surgical procedures and treatments.
