Oral Cancer Screening in Gilbert, AZ
The primary reason for routine examinations every six months is to check the condition of your teeth. However, our dentist may detect other problems like gum disease, developing diabetes, and oral cancer. Since it’s vital to find this type of cancer as soon as possible to save lives, we conduct oral cancer screenings at Smiles of Gilbert Dentistry during examinations.
Signs of Oral Cancer
During a dental examination, dentist may find indications of oral cancer that include:
- Red or white sores
- Lumps or firm spots in soft tissues of the mouth
- Lumps or firm spots along the neck or throat
- Dark patches on the back of the tongue
Oral cancer can be a silent killer because people don’t always have symptoms in the early stages. However, if they do, the symptoms may include:
- Lip or mouth sores that don’t heal
- Lumps inside the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear or mouth discomfort
- Loose teeth
If one of our dentist in Gilbert, AZ finds suspicious sores or lumps in your mouth, they may do a biopsy to confirm their suspicions. After diagnosing it, cancer treatment should begin right away. During the early stages, oral cancer is curable, but the chances of survival diminish after diagnosing it in the latter stages.
The Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Although both men and women get oral cancer, it is more often diagnosed in men 45 and over. The other risk factors for this disease include:
- Smoking
- Heavy drinking
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Poor diet
- Poor oral hygiene
- Exposure to UV light
Our dentist near you will refer you to an oncologist to begin treating the cancer.
What Happens During a Screening?
When one of our dentist at Smiles of Gilbert Dentistry does an oral cancer screening near you, they will visually and physically examine your mouth. As they are looking at your teeth, they will look for the indicators mentioned above.
If you spot lesions that are not healing or have a sore throat that isn’t going away, contact our dentist in Gilbert, AZ for an examination. An oral cancer screening at our office can save your life.
FAQs
An Oral Cancer Screening in Gilbert, AZ, is a clinical evaluation performed by a dental professional to check for initial signs of oral cancer. Detecting changes at an early stage may improve management options and allow for timely follow-up if concerns are identified.
An Oral Cancer Screening near me is generally recommended once a year as part of a routine dental exam. Patients with risk factors like tobacco use, frequent alcohol consumption, or family history may be advised to schedule screenings more often.
An Oral Cancer Screening dentist examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and surrounding soft tissues for unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or lesions. Symptoms you report are also reviewed to ensure a thorough evaluation.
The Oral Cancer Screening in Gilbert, AZ, is typically quick and non-invasive. It covers a visual and physical examination of the oral tissues and does not usually cause discomfort.
Yes. An Oral Cancer Screening near me is recommended even without noticeable symptoms, as some oral health changes may not be immediately apparent. Routine screenings support early identification of concerns.
If an Oral Cancer Screening dentist observes an area of concern, additional evaluation may be recommended. This could include monitoring, further diagnostic testing, or referral to a specialist for assessment.
To schedule your Oral Cancer Screening in Gilbert, AZ, contact Smiles of Gilbert Dentistry by phone or online. Our team can assist you with appointment availability and provide additional information as needed.
