What a Dentist Looks For During an Oral Cancer Screening

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what a dentist looks for during an oral cancer screening

It would be best if you got an oral cancer screening in Naples once or twice a year, but the frequency of such screenings will depend on your unique risk factors. Your dental health will be evaluated by your dentist, who will look for signs of oral cancer. 

During the screening, your dentist will conduct an oral exam, during which they will ask you a few questions and visually and physically examine your teeth and mouth. Your dentist is the best person to teach you all the ins and outs of a dental exam. 

A Few Words On Oral Cancer Examination

Oral cancer screenings near you generally require a mere five to ten minutes to complete when conducted by a skilled and seasoned dentist. Although the screening process is brief, it is remarkably thorough. 

Dentists possess the necessary training to effectively recognize the symptoms associated with mouth cancer in their patients during its early stages. Should any indications arise, the patient and the esteemed dentist shall engage in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the subsequent course of action.

Identifying Risk Factors Through Questions

First, the oral healthcare professional will inquire about various aspects in order to ascertain the presence of any potential risk factors for oral cancer. Individuals who possess a heightened susceptibility to developing oral cancer ought to engage in a conversation with their esteemed dental professional regarding the importance of undergoing regular annual screenings. 

Risk factors include smoking cigarettes, consuming large amounts of alcohol, having a human papillomavirus infection, spending too much time in the sun, and having a compromised immune system. It is also possible to raise one’s chance of developing oral cancer by not keeping up with regular dental hygiene practices and by consuming an unhealthy diet.

Mouth Cancer Warning Signs

The acclaimed dentist in Naples will meticulously check for oral cancer symptoms throughout the patient’s full oral checkup. One of the most prevalent symptoms is the appearance of red or white spots on the lips or within the mouth. 

In addition, the dentist will look for any bumps or hard spots, as well as any bleeding lesions that are resistant to healing. The formation of a painful or rough patch in the mouth is one of the signs that might be associated with oral cancer. 

Dentists are required to perform additional checks for cancers and nodules on the head, neck, mouth, and jawline. In addition to these, the dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of inflammation, including redness, warmth, numbness, and edema. 

Even if any discomfort does not accompany the swelling, it could still be a warning sign. Your bite will also be evaluated during your appointment at the dentist. Alterations to one’s bite are a frequently observed symptom of oral cancer. The dentist can use X-rays to determine whether or not there have been any changes to the natural alignment of the teeth.

Detection Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is not identified as having been present by the dentist at this stage of the examination. Instead, the dentist near you will look for any abnormalities in the teeth and gums. In the event that such a spot is discovered, a biopsy needs to be carried out. 

Biopsies of the tissue are then sent off to a laboratory for examination. If there is evidence of cancer after the biopsy, the patient will need to undergo treatment. People who have been diagnosed with oral cancer have a better chance of survival if they go in for routine tests.

Get Yourself Checked For Mouth Cancer at Naples Dental Arts Center

Oral cancer has the potential to spread if it is not detected and treated early. Make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. You can anticipate that your dentist will begin the work by asking you a few questions. 

After that, your mouth and teeth will be examined by your dentist to look for any indications of disease or decay that may have occurred. In order to diagnose oral cancer, you will need to have biopsies performed on suspicious tissue. 

Dental checkups should be done on a consistent basis; to set up your next appointment, call our team today.