The thought of oral cancer can be terrifying. It is a condition that is often treated well when caught early enough. That’s the key: getting in for oral cancer screenings if you have any risk for it. Simultaneously, scheduling routine dental procedures is all you’ll need to do to ensure you can get this type of screening. Our team at Lovett Dental Sugar Land can provide you with these screenings during your next visit. Contact us today at 281-759-5900 for more information.
What Is Oral Cancer?
The goal of oral cancer screenings is to pinpoint any area of the mouth that does not seem normal. That goal can be quite vague because the way cancer looks can be very different. Detection of this type of cancer or precancerous lesions is quite essential. By spotting potential areas of concern, it is possible to remove them early on, preventing the onset of problems later.
Who Should Have Oral Cancer Screenings?
When you come in for an exam and routine dental checkup, we can provide this screening type. Some people should have this done more routinely, however. That includes those with factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer, such as:
- Any tobacco product use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Previously diagnosed with oral cancer
- History of sun exposure
- Family history of oral cancer
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During this process, your dentist will look inside your mouth thoroughly. He or she is looking for any white or red patches on your skin or any mouth sores. They will do this using gloved hands. Most of the time, your dentist will feel the inside of the mouth as well to find these types of areas. It is essential to do this because lumps that could be cancerous are not always visible. In addition to this, the dentist will feel your throat and neck for any lumps.
If there are any concerns or the dentist cannot get a good look at your mouth for some reason, he or she may recommend an oral cancer screening dye. This type of dye is added to the exam to highlight areas where there could be cancerous areas. There is also an oral cancer screening light. This light can help to make it easier to see the difference between healthy tissue and abnormal tissue. Abnormal tissue tends to appear white under this light.
Our Goal Is to Keep Your Oral Health the Best It Can Be
If you believe you are at risk for oral cancer, do not put off the oral cancer screenings you need. Doing so can cause a number of complications, especially if there is any concern present. These oral cancer screenings only take a few minutes to complete, but they can provide a great deal of information to your dental team.
Take your oral health seriously all around. We encourage our clients to reach out to us with any health complications they have. Let us provide routine dental care to you to help improve your smile and your oral health. Learn more about our services, including:
- General dentistry procedures
- General dental cleanings
- Cosmetic dental care
- Oral surgery services
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Specialty dental services
Don’t Wait to Call Lovett Dental Sugar Land for Help
Oral cancer is nothing you should put off. Our team at Lovett Dental Sugar Land can provide a wide range of treatment options to help improve your oral health and give you peace of mind. The sooner you come in for oral cancer screenings, the more likely it is that our team can help you achieve those goals. We encourage you to call us today at 281-759-5900 or connect with us online.
