Oral Cancer Screening in Chesapeake, VA
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects thousands of people each year. The key to successful treatment is early detection. At the Center for Restorative, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we offer Oral Cancer Screening in Chesapeake, VA as a part of our comprehensive dental care services. Our advanced screening process helps identify precancerous or cancerous lesions at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a preventive procedure performed by a dentist to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. This quick and painless examination can help identify abnormalities before symptoms become more severe. Early detection not only increases the success rate of treatment but can also help prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk, making regular screenings even more essential. You should consider getting an Oral Cancer Screening in Chesapeake, VA if you:
Even if you don’t have these risk factors, it is recommended to include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings are critical. However, some warning signs include:
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained lumps or thickening of oral tissues
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw/tongue
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- Ear pain without hearing loss
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us immediately for an evaluation.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Our Oral Cancer Screening in Chesapeake, VA is a simple, non-invasive procedure that takes only a few minutes. During the exam, our skilled dentists will:
We inspect the inside of your mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat, for any unusual discolorations, sores, or lumps.
Using gloved hands, we gently palpate the jaw, neck, and oral tissues to detect any abnormalities or swelling.
In some cases, we may utilize specialized screening tools, such as VELscope or OralCDx, to enhance the detection of precancerous lesions that might not be visible to the naked eye.
The entire process is painless and can be completed as part of your regular dental visit.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Getting screened for oral cancer offers several important benefits:
- Early Detection: Identifying cancerous or precancerous cells in the early stages improves treatment success rates.
- Minimally Invasive: The screening is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you are taking proactive steps for your health can reduce anxiety.
- Improved Outcomes: If oral cancer is detected, early intervention can lead to more effective treatment and a better prognosis.
What Happens If We Find an Abnormality?
If we detect any suspicious areas during your screening, we may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, to determine if cancerous or precancerous cells are present. If necessary, we will refer you to a specialist for additional evaluation and treatment.
How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The American Dental Association recommends that adults receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year. If you have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, we may suggest more frequent screenings to ensure early detection.
Why Choose the Center for Restorative, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry?
At our Chesapeake, VA dental practice, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care in oral health. When you choose us for your Oral Cancer Screening in Chesapeake, VA, you benefit from: