Oral Medicine
We can help patients with complex oral health problems that may not be addressed by general dentists
Oral Medicine is an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized dental specialty that integrates medicine and dentistry to focus on the oral health of patients with medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral medicine is primarily a non-surgical specialty with procedures limited to diagnostic biopsies, small excisions, therapeutic injections, and other minor surgical interventions.
Dr. Williams is uniquely qualified with both a medical degree and dental degree to evaluate and manage many of these patients. He is acutely aware of the challenges related to treating many of these individuals and coordinates all care with each patient’s primary care physician or treating specialist. Dr. Williams is an Academic Fellow in the American Academy of Oral Medicine.
Common Conditions Treated in Oral Medicine
Sleep Breathing Disorders (Sleep Apnea)
Over 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Unfortunately, most of them are undiagnosed and untreated. Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder characterized by temporary, recurrent interruptions of breathing (respiration) during sleep. We provide non-surgical and surgical options for treatment.
Xerostomia/salivary gland dysfunction
Anyone over the age of sixty-five taking three or more medications has a greater than 75% chance of having problems from dry mouth due to reduced salivary flow. Any change in your oral health such as sudden increase in cavities or gum recession may be an early indication of dry mouth and often requires a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate symptoms.
Oral Mucosal Diseases & Oral Dermatologic Conditions
This includes the biopsy of lesions as well as coordinating treatment of chronic oral conditions such as lichen planus and desquamative gingivitis. This sometimes requires a multidisciplinary approach as several oral conditions may have implications for problems with other areas of the body.
Complications from Cancer Treatment
Complications of cancer treatment arise in various forms and degrees of severity, depending on the individual and the cancer treatment. Oral complications occur in all patients receiving radiation for head and neck malignancies, approximately 80 percent of blood stem cell transplant recipients, and nearly 40 percent of chemotherapy patients. Some complications occur only during treatment while others persist for years. Unfortunately, patients with cancer do not always receive oral care until serious complications develop.
The following are some challenging side effects of cancer treatment:
- Oral mucositis: inflammation of gums or the mucosa during treatment.
- Radiation caries: lifelong risk of dental decay beginning after radiation therapy.
- Osteonecrosis: dead jawbone and infection developing after jaw radiation.
- MRONJ (Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws) medications taken for cancer maintenance or osteoporosis increase bone healing complications.
Orofacial Pain & Facial Neuralgias
Orofacial pain involves numerous conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), dental pain, atypical facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, and bruxism.
Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases & Exacerbation of Medical Illness
Common dental problems may impact your general health. Bringing medical and dental professionals together and providing a wide variety of educational opportunities promotes excellent care for patients and encourages proper inter-disciplinary care when necessary.
Our Locations
Conveniently providing care to patients throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.
Greenville SC • Simpsonville SC • Greer SC • Powdersville SC • Easley SC • Liberty SC • Pickens SC • Seneca SC • Clemson SC • Five Forks SC • Taylors SC • Mauldin SC • Fountain Inn SC • Brevard NC • Hendersonville NC • Asheville NC • Highlands NC • Cashiers NC • Arden NC • Flat Rock NC • Mills River NC
Greenville, SC
39 Brendan Way
Greenville, SC 29615
Mon - Thu: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 2pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
Brevard, NC
4 Market Street #4204
Brevard, NC 28712
Mon - Thu: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 2pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
We will always schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day. For information on how to get to our offices, visit our map and directions page for our Greenville, SC Office or our Brevard, NC Office.