Dental

A routine screening, every visit.

A thorough soft-tissue exam, included with routine cleanings and exams. Early detection makes the difference.

What it is

Oral cancer screening — the plain-English version.

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. We include a thorough soft-tissue screening as part of every routine exam — looking at the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth for anything that looks or feels out of pattern. The screening is quick and painless.

Overview

How treatment works.

Schedule a consultation

Visual and tactile exam of all soft tissues in the mouth.
Assessment of any sores, patches, lumps, or discoloration.
Lymph node check around the jaw and neck.
Referrals to specialists for any finding that warrants further evaluation.

Is this for you

When to schedule a screening

At every routine cleaning and exam.
If you notice a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks.
If you notice an unexplained lump, patch, or color change in the mouth.
Annually for patients with risk factors (tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, prior HPV exposure).

The visits

What the process actually looks like.

Step-by-step, so there are no surprises at the chair.

Visual exam
We examine all the soft tissues — lips, inner cheeks, tongue (top, bottom, and sides), palate, and floor of the mouth — under good light.
Tactile exam
A gentle palpation of the cheeks, jaw, and neck checks for lumps or tender areas that aren't visible.
Findings
Most screenings are routine and uneventful. Anything notable is documented; minor findings get monitored, more significant findings get referred for biopsy or specialist evaluation.

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