Diagnosis and Management of Oral Diseases

Stomatology is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases not exclusively related to the teeth. The stomatologist examines and manages lesions that develop on the oral mucosa (the inner lining of the mouth), such as ulcers, white or red patches, nodules, etc., as well as pathological conditions of the jawbones and salivary glands.

It also deals with oral problems caused by systemic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and infections. A significant area of Stomatology is the identification and management of precancerous lesions and oral cancer, where early diagnosis can be life-saving for the patient.

A wide range of lesions may appear on the oral mucosa, representing manifestations of oral diseases or systemic conditions. Such lesions include ulcers, tumors, white patches, and pigmented spots. Although most oral lesions are benign, they generally require evaluation to rule out the risk of malignancy or underlying systemic disease.

Accurate diagnosis involves the combined evaluation of the patient’s history, clinical findings, and appropriate laboratory results, such as imaging and biopsy. The stomatologist has the knowledge and experience to identify, diagnose, and manage oral diseases.

Oral cancer is not very common, but when it occurs, it can cause serious problems for the patient and may even be life-threatening. Early diagnosis of oral cancer leads to improved quality of life and a better prognosis. Often, oral cancer develops from lesions classified as precancerous, such as leukoplakia, which may precede the onset of cancer by several years.

The stomatologist is trained to recognize precancerous lesions and to make an early diagnosis of oral cancer. They also collaborate with other specialists essential for confirming the diagnosis through biopsy and ensuring proper patient management, such as the pathologist and the maxillofacial surgeon.

Many systemic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, may initially present with signs and symptoms in the oral cavity or develop oral lesions during their course. Such conditions include lichen planus, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, among others. The manifestations of these diseases can be varied and diverse.

The stomatologist plays a crucial role in the early recognition of these manifestations and collaborates with the appropriate medical specialties for the comprehensive management of the patient.

Conditions such as Burning Mouth Syndrome, dysgeusia, and neuralgias significantly affect the patient’s quality of life, typically without accompanying visible lesions in the oral cavity. These are challenging disorders to diagnose, requiring thorough evaluation and personalized management.

The stomatologist possesses the knowledge and experience to diagnose and manage these conditions, often working in collaboration with other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Many medications, such as antihypertensives, antiepileptics, immunosuppressants, as well as oncological treatments, can cause swelling, ulcers, dry mouth, and other symptoms. These often lead to significant disturbances in the function of the stomatognathic system or pain, which worsen the patient’s quality of life.

The stomatologist promptly recognizes and manages these adverse effects, reducing the patient’s discomfort and improving quality of life during treatment.