Oral Medicine

Conditions We Treat
Oral medicine specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic dry mouth and other salivary gland issues
   
• Oral problems caused by autoimmune diseases
  • Autoimmune skin diseases
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Scleroderma
     
• Oral effects of cancer or cancer treatment
  • Tooth decay
  • Bone deterioration
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Pain
  • Other problems
     
• Oral lesions and ulcers caused by
  • Herpes viruses
  • Yeast infections
  • Anemia
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Skin conditions
  • Other illnesses or treatments

Oral Clearance for Surgery
You may be referred to an oral medicine specialist to receive “oral clearance” if you need a major procedure, such as: 

• Heart surgery (especially valve repairs and replacements)
• Bone marrow transplant
• Organ transplant

Your oral medicine specialist will determine if you have any active infections, need a tooth pulled, or have other oral concerns that must be resolved before the procedure.

At your first visit, an oral medicine specialist will meet with you to discuss your needs, medical history, and symptoms. They will examine your mouth, neck, and head and may take X-rays to learn more about your oral health.

Your doctor will discuss next steps, including any additional tests or biopsies that may be needed, and treatment options.

Medicated Ointments and Mouth Rinses
Prescription steroid or numbing gels and creams and medicated mouth rinses can help heal oral lesions and relieve pain.

Injections 
Some injections deliver medications to areas that are resistant to topical treatments, while others -- like Botox and trigger point injections -- can relieve joint stiffness and muscle spasms.

Minor Oral Surgical Procedures and Biopsies
Minor surgical procedures can remove non-cancerous lumps and bumps and evaluate lesions, ulcers, and blisters that occur in the mouth. Biopsies remove tissue samples, which are examined under a microscope to help identify oral diseases and cancer.

Oral Cancer Screenings 
Routine follow-up appointments can identify pre-cancerous and cancerous growths early so they can be treated quickly.

Experts in Oral Medicine
Our oral medicine specialists undergo years of additional training to become fellowship-trained and board-certified. Each year, we treat many people, including those who are frail and susceptible to infection. Our dental hygienists have specialized experience treating medically complex patients in the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Integrated Care
Our oral medicine specialists collaborate with other specialists throughout Duke -- including experts in oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, rheumatology, and more -- to offer timely and coordinated treatment and achieve the best-possible outcomes.

Patient Coordinator to Help You Navigate Care
Our patient coordinator is your connection to your oral medicine specialist and helps schedule your appointments, coordinate your visits, and plan procedures. It’s their job to make your treatment journey easier by guiding you through it step by step. They answer all your questions along the way.