Thursday, September 4, 2014

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are one of many services we offer here at Cadena Dentistry. We provide these screenings during each dental check-up to look for early signs of oral cancer, which is usually treatable if found early. It only takes a few moments to complete and lets our patients get an early diagnosis for more successful treatment.
 
Approximately 41,000 people have been diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States in 2013 alone, according to the American Dental Association, so it is important to get screened. If you smoke or drink heavily, it is essential that you have regular oral cancer screenings.
 
The following steps are completed during oral cancer screenings:
1. An ultraviolet light is used to look inside the mouth and on the gums and tongue.
2. The outside of the face is inspected for sores, including the lips, cheeks and neck.
3. Sores and other spots are examined inside the mouth, including the cheeks, inner lips, gums and roof of the mouth.
 
Oral screenings are a part of dental hygiene exams and check-ups and take only about 5-10 minutes in total. If your doctor finds any unusual spots, a biopsy is taken of the tissue for further testing.

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