Oral Cancer Screenings Near You
An oral cancer screening assesses signs and symptoms that may be attributable to oral cancer. The examination is very quick and painless, but it can provide our dentist with an in-depth understanding of how they can best care for your smile and provide you with peace of mind as a patient.
Taking steps to preserve your teeth and gums is important; an issue in your mouth can impact your overall well-being. Our local dental clinic offers oral cancer screenings in Pitt Meadows. Get in touch with our team to learn more.
What Does The Process Include?
You don’t need to undergo a dental cancer screening every time you come in to see a dentist; with that said, a general rule of thumb is that patients 20 years or older should have an exam done approximately every three years; patients 40 or older should have it done once a year.
If you are dealing with specific symptoms that our dentist is concerned about, they may have you come in more frequently. It all depends on the situation.
Our oral cancer screening dentist will start by evaluating your teeth, gums, tongue, the roof and floor of your mouth, the lining of your cheeks, lips, and even your tonsils. They will also feel along your jaw and neck to check for abnormal lumps. X-rays may be taken as well. A special blue dye can also be given to you – if an entity is stained blue, that area is potentially cancerous.
All in all, visits dedicated to oral cancer screenings in Pitt Meadows should take no more than 5 or 10 minutes. Just like a regular dental checkup, this treatment is usually integrated into your routine dental cleaning.
Have concerns or questions at all? Be sure to call our general dentist; they’ll assist you with anything you need.
What Happens After the Screening?
Our dentist will share the results of your screening with you. If there are signs that you have oral cancer, you’ll be referred to a cancer specialist (a physician) for a more comprehensive examination. A biopsy is a common test, as it involves extracting some of the tissue in question and being analyzed for biological markers of the condition.
Contact Our Dentist For Oral Cancer Screenings in Pitt Meadows!
At Marigold Dental, we provide reliable and efficient oral cancer screenings near you. The health of your smile is a significant factor that influences how you eat, speak, and your confidence. Our team is here to help you care for your smile however you need.
Please send us a message or stop by our location to arrange an appointment at a time that works for you. See you soon!
FAQs
Why are oral cancer screenings important?
Oral cancer screenings are done to detect signs of mouth cancer signs early on, when it’s the easiest to treat. It’s a quick, pain-free process that’s typically performed during routine dental checkups. Regular screenings, especially for high-risk individuals, can keep your mouth and overall health in the best possible condition.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
When you get screened, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. They’ll check for any unusual lumps or tissue patches, and gently feel down your neck and along the jaw. If they see anything amiss, further tests may be recommended, such as a biopsy.
Can oral cancer be prevented?
You can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake, and shielding your lips from sunlight. Healthy eating and regular visits to the dentist also help. Prevention of everything is impossible, but screening and healthy habits make a huge difference.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Some common signs include a mouth sore that won’t heal, red or white patches of tissue, pain when swallowing, or a lump in your mouth or neck. If you notice anything that doesn’t feel right, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible.