oral medicine

3700 Ingleside Boulevard, Ladson, 29456

1 of 3 Oral Medicine Specialists
in South Carolina

WHAT IS ORAL MEDICINE?

Dr. Vatcher is wholeheartedly devoted to improving the lives of patients by advocating for the essential role of oral health in their overall health and happiness. With a strong focus of enhancing the well-being of her patients, she provides exceptional care by utilizing evidence-based practice while delivering a compassionate and empathetic approach. She delights in carefully listening to her patients to understand their symptoms and experiences. By doing so, she provides them with the vital support, education, and treatment they need.

Her focus is in diagnosing and treating conditions related to temporomandibular disorders, neuropathic conditions of the head and neck, oral manifestations of systemic conditions, oral mucosal and precancerous lesions, salivary gland disorders, and management of oral complications associated with cancer-related radiation and chemotherapy. She also evaluates and treats newborns with tongue ties, performs dental extractions, provides animal-assisted therapy, and offers follow up virtual video and phone visits.

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TERMS DEFINED

Burning Mouth Syndrome

A condition manifesting as pain in the mouth that is burning, scalding, or tingling. It may occur alongside dry mouth and/or a change in taste. Usually only the tongue is affected but symptoms may affect the lips or roof of the mouth.

As this is considered under the broader category of nerve conditions, diagnoses are made through the rule of exclusion – that is, there is no absolute test for a concrete diagnosis so testing is completed to rule out other possible conditions. Often, patients suffering from burning mouth experience symptoms due to having dry mouth, so a salivary flow test will usually be the first test completed. Some patients may also experience burning mouth as a result of vitamin deficiencies like zinc, iron, Vitamin B, or folate.

Facial Pain

Pain is a complex problem with many possible causes in the oral cavity, head, and neck. Often dentists, or other healthcare providers, will refer patients with nonodontogenic (non-tooth-related) pain as a generic facial nerve issue, or even as trigeminal neuralgia, as a catch all for a nerve issue that is difficult to locate the origin of; especially because it is possible to have referred pain from other issues that may be treated, resolved, and/or not nerve related. These symptoms and conditions have various means and methods of being diagnosed and treated.

Dry Mouth

Also called xerostomia, is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally when nervous or stressed but is not a regular part of aging. When dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, swallowing, and talking difficult, as well as increases the risk for tooth decay, ulcers and fungal infections.

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of everyday medications. Rather than move to alter medications, treatment will be focused on managing symptoms.

Oral Pathology

Tissue in the mouth can change over time, and those changes may not necessarily be benign. Many dentists, or other healthcare providers, will refer patients with irregular tissue growth, pattern, coloration, texture, etc. to a specialist for examination and possible biopsy. These areas of irregular tissue are called lesions. Lesions may be benign, pre-cancerous, or malignant. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Sjøgren’s Syndrome

Systemic auto-immune condition affecting the exocrine glands, causing dry mouth and eyes, fatigue, malaise, and joint ache. The condition also puts patients at higher risk for fungal infections, cavities, difficulty speaking, tongue sticking to the roof of mouth, pain, etc.

Sjøgren’s affects the overall quality of life and can be difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis is most commonly accomplished using a ‘scorecard’ and check list of testing used in combination to determine the diagnosis. Secondary Sjøgren’s occurs when a patient has another diagnosed auto-immune disorder like Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Scleroderma. In these patients, usually the salivary flow test is enough to make the diagnosis.

TMD

A condition involving the joints, muscles, nerves and teeth involved with jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint is the complex hinge that joins your lower jaw and skull together. Anxiety and stress have also been shown to be related to TMD issues. These factors may lead to inflammation of the joint and/or surrounding tissues, oftentimes triggering the connected pain receptors throughout the head, neck and face. Common symptoms include jaw pain or soreness extending through the face and neck, jaw clicking or popping, restricted jaw movement or locking, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, irregular or excessive tooth wear, earaches, and headaches.

Conservative therapies may include behavior modification, physical therapy, medication, jaw exercise and orthopedic appliances (orthotics) and are often prescribed to TMD patients as safe and effective treatment resulting in long-term relief. These non-invasive lifestyle changes are typically attempted for no fewer than 6 weeks before considering more invasive treatment options.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Vatcher

No! All patients are welcome to schedule with Dr. Vatcher without another dental or healthcare provider’s referral.

What exactly is an Oral Medicine Specialist and why am I being referred to one?

Oral Medicine as a dental specialty has been studied and practiced since 1945 when the American Academy of Oral Medicine was founded; however, it was only in 2020 that the American Dental Association formally recognized Oral Medicine as the 11th dental specialty.

Oral Medicine is defined as “The specialty of dentistry responsible for the oral health care of medically complex patients and for the diagnosis and management of medically-related diseases, disorders and conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.”

If you have been referred to Oral Medicine, that means that your dental or medical provider recognizes your need for more specialized attention to a condition, presentation, or symptom of your mouth, head or neck. Dr. Hayley Vatcher has completed advanced training in the following conditions: auto-immune conditions affecting the oral cavity, Burning Mouth, Dry Mouth, atypical Facial Pain conditions, Headaches and Migraines, Oral Pathology, salivary conditions associated with medication and/or radiation therapy, and TMJ Disorder (TMD).

Will my insurance cover the consultation? How will I know if I’m going to owe anything out-of-pocket?

Oral Medicine services are all considered out-of-pocket at Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery. Any cost you may be expected to incur during any visit with Dr. Vatcher will be outlined for you prior to scheduling. Any documentation you would need to file for out-of-network reimbursement with your medical insurance carrier can be provided to you upon request. You are also able to keep track of all services rendered and payments made to your account through your Patient Portal. Patient Portal + Make a Payment | COAFS

The Ultimate Patient Experience

Our mission at COAFS is to provide our clients with state-of-the-art oral and maxillofacial treatment through the use of cutting-edge technology, integrative medical practices, ongoing education and compassionate care.

Our team of highly trained, board-certified providers offers the most advanced surgical techniques and integrative medical procedures, providing the ultimate patient experience-every single time.