Dra. Fernanda Scotti - Estomatologia

Dra. Fernanda Scotti - Estomatologia is a specialist oral medicine practice located at Rua Cristovao Nunes Pires, 110, Sala 102, in the Centro neighborhood of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina. Led by Dra. Fernanda Marcello Scotti, a graduate of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina who holds both a Master's degree and a Doctorate in Oral Diagnosis from UFSC's postgraduate dentistry program, the practice is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the oral mucosa and soft tissues of the mouth. Dra. Fernanda also served as a substitute professor at UFSC, teaching stomatology, clinical dentistry, and geriatric dentistry, and holds additional specializations in dental radiology and low-level laser therapy.

What is Stomatology?

Stomatology (estomatologia) is a dental specialty that sits at the intersection of dentistry and medicine, focused on the pathological conditions of the mouth's soft tissues rather than the teeth themselves. The oral cavity is a window to systemic health: autoimmune diseases, early-stage cancers, viral infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medication side effects all manifest as changes in the oral mucosa. A stomatologist is trained to distinguish a benign canker sore from a potentially malignant leukoplakia, and to coordinate the diagnostic workup and treatment pathway accordingly. In a city of over 550,000 people, dedicated stomatologists are rare, and a practitioner with Dra. Fernanda's combined doctoral-level training and academic teaching experience represents a premium clinical resource for patients and referring dentists across the Florianopolis metropolitan area.

Oral Cancer Detection and Diagnosis

Oral cancer detection is the most critical service offered by the practice. Brazil has among the highest rates of oral cancer globally, with tobacco and alcohol use, chronic sun exposure, and HPV among the primary risk factors. Early diagnosis is lifesaving: the five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected at an early stage exceeds 80%, compared to under 30% for cancers identified at an advanced stage. Dra. Fernanda performs thorough clinical examinations of the oral mucosa, identifies suspicious lesions, guides biopsy procedures, and coordinates with oncologists and other specialists when malignancy is confirmed or suspected. Patient education on risk factors and preventive habits is an integrated part of each consultation.

Oral Biopsy

When a suspicious lesion is identified, oral biopsy allows tissue to be sampled and analyzed histologically to determine its nature. Dra. Fernanda performs and coordinates oral biopsies to provide definitive diagnosis for lesions that cannot be conclusively characterized on clinical examination alone. This service is particularly important for patients referred by their general dentist after the discovery of an unusual finding, ensuring that concerning lesions receive appropriate and timely expert evaluation.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Certified in low-level laser therapy (LLLT), Dra. Fernanda uses this technology for pain relief, acceleration of mucosal wound healing, and management of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer. Oral mucositis is one of the most debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, causing severe painful ulcerations that can interrupt treatment protocols. Low-level laser therapy has robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing both the severity and duration of mucositis, significantly improving quality of life for oncology patients during treatment. Laser therapy is also used to accelerate healing of aphthous ulcers and oral herpetic lesions, providing rapid, drug-free relief for patients with recurrent mucosal problems.

Burning Mouth Syndrome, Aphthous Ulcers, and Autoimmune Conditions

Burning mouth syndrome, a chronic condition causing persistent burning sensations in the oral cavity without an identifiable lesion, is among the most challenging diagnoses in oral medicine. Dra. Fernanda addresses this condition with a multidisciplinary approach that considers local, systemic, neurological, and psychological contributing factors. Recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and oral herpes are treated with targeted laser therapy and appropriate pharmacological support where indicated. Autoimmune oral conditions including oral lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris, which affect the oral mucosa and require specialist diagnosis and long-term management, are also within the scope of the practice.

A Rare Specialist in Florianopolis

Most patients encounter stomatology through a referral from their general dentist when something unusual is found in the mouth. The rarity of dedicated stomatologists in mid-sized Brazilian cities means that patients who need this level of specialist expertise often face long waits or must travel to larger centers. Dra. Fernanda's practice fills this gap in Florianopolis, providing accessible, doctoral-level oral medicine expertise in a humanized, patient-centered clinical environment in the heart of the island capital. The practice operates Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 19:00 at its central Centro location, easily accessible from across the city and the greater Florianopolis metropolitan area.