River Oak Dental Offers an Oral Cancer Screening with Every Dental Exam
Unfortunately, due to the rise in HPV (Human Papillomavirus) occurrences, the incidences of oral cancer have increased by 300%. That’s why all of our dental exams come with an oral cancer screening. This process is completely painless, non-invasive, and doesn’t require much time. During your visit to River Oak Dental, we will complete a visual and physical exam of the entire oral cavity as well as your nose and throat.
What Do Oral Cancer Screenings Look For?
The oral cancer screening looks for lip cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and throat cancer symptoms. The dentist will apply gentle pressure around the neck, jaw, and cheeks to check for swelling and lumps. The mouth, throat, and tongue are then visually inspected for lesions, discolorations, and infections. We will also ask you about your lifestyle and medical history as well in order to assess your risk. Individuals that drink alcohol and use tobacco products are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, which is taken into account during our screening.
What Happens if Abnormalities are Found in an Oral Cancer Screening?
Having an oral cancer screening done twice a year at your dental exams is essential. During this screen, if any abnormalities are discovered, the dentist can order further testing. Your health and peace of mind are what’s most important to us. The team at River Oak Dental are always here for you and ready to answer any questions you may have. If any issues do arise, we will be by your side to put your mind at ease while we work to uncover the underlying cause.
