At Alpine Dental Care, we are committed to protecting your overall health as well as your smile. Early detection of oral cancer is critical for successful treatment, and that’s why we include oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive dental exams. Oral cancer can develop in the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat, and often shows no symptoms in its early stages. Regular screenings at our office in Cortez, Colorado, can help detect abnormalities before they become serious, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?
Oral cancer is often difficult to detect on your own, and by the time noticeable symptoms appear, the cancer may have progressed to a more advanced stage. Regular screenings are essential because early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Pyle will carefully examine your mouth, lips, gums, and throat for any signs of abnormalities or suspicious lesions.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is quick and painless. Here’s what to expect during the process:
- Visual Examination: Dr. Pyle will visually inspect your mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual patches, sores, or lumps.
- Palpation: We’ll gently feel around your jaw, neck, and throat to check for any abnormal masses or swollen lymph nodes.
- Specialized Tests: If necessary, we may use additional diagnostic tools, such as special lights or dyes, to detect abnormal cells that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of your dental exam, and they only take a few minutes. It’s a simple but potentially life-saving step in ensuring your long-term health.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Everyone should undergo regular oral cancer screenings, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Use tobacco products (smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.)
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Have a history of oral cancer or other cancers
- Have prolonged exposure to the sun, which can increase the risk of lip cancer
- Are over the age of 40 (though younger individuals can also be affected)
Even if you do not have any of these risk factors, regular oral cancer screenings are a valuable part of your preventive care.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screenings are typically done once a year during your regular dental exam. However, if you have higher risk factors, Dr. Pyle may recommend more frequent screenings.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Common signs of oral cancer include persistent sores in the mouth, lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained pain or numbness. However, many early-stage cancers show no symptoms, making screenings essential.
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No, oral cancer screenings are completely painless. Dr. Pyle will perform a visual and tactile examination of your mouth and neck, which typically takes just a few minutes.
What happens if something suspicious is found during the screening?
If we detect any abnormalities during your screening, we may recommend further testing or a biopsy to determine whether the area is cancerous. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
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Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Alpine Dental Care!
Early detection saves lives. Make oral cancer screenings a regular part of your dental care routine with Alpine Dental Care in Cortez, Colorado. Contact us today at (970) 565-3612 to schedule your next screening and ensure both your smile and overall health are protected!
