What is Oral Medicine?

This specialist field of dentistry involves assessment, diagnosis and primarily non-surgical management of oral mucosal diseases, conditions affecting the jaws and salivary glands, as well as pain of the orofacial region.

We diagnose and contribute to managing both benign, potentially malignant and malignant oral mucosal diseases. Mucosal conditions may include oral polyps and warts, red and white patches, pigmented lesions, gum swellings, acute, recurrent or persistent oral ulceration and dry mouth conditions. We are often integral to the initial diagnosis and ongoing surveillance of patients with oral cancers and potentially cancerous lesions. 

We diagnose and contribute to managing orofacial pain conditions. These may include oral dysesthesia, suspected trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular disorders and other non-odontogenic (not tooth-related) pain. 

We diagnose and contribute to managing other conditions of the jaws, including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws, and radiation therapy related osteonecrosis of the jaws. 

At your first appointment, a thorough assessment and examination will be undertaken inclusive of clinical photographs, which will form a part of your clinical file. Follow-up appointments for additional procedures such as biopsies, as well as reviews for ongoing surveillance may be recommended, depending on your condition.  Additional tests such as blood tests and swabs, or imaging, may be advised. The results of additional tests will be discussed at a follow-up appointment. 

To refer to Dr Elizabeth Arena, please complete referral form