What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Helping maintain healthy Oak Park smiles
An oral cancer screening is a preventive measure conducted by a dental professional to identify early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal is to detect oral cancer early when there’s a greater chance for a cure. This process involves a thorough examination of your oral cavity, including the lips, mouth, and throat, to detect any abnormalities. Dr. Brandon Murphy of Murphy Dental Group, PLLC in Oak Park, is highly skilled in performing oral cancer screenings, ensuring your oral health is in the best possible condition.
The Benefits Of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a critical part of maintaining your overall health.
- Early Detection – The primary benefit of oral cancer screenings is early detection. Oral cancer is often highly curable if detected early, and routine screenings are the best way to ensure that any signs of cancer are caught in the initial stages. This early detection can lead to more effective treatment and a better prognosis.
- Peace of Mind – Oral cancer screenings provide peace of mind. Knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your oral health can alleviate worries about potential oral cancer risks. It’s a preventive measure that, when combined with regular dental check-ups, can keep your oral health in optimal condition.
- Comprehensive Oral Health Check – An oral cancer screening doesn’t just check for cancer; it provides a comprehensive review of your oral health. Dr. Murphy will be able to identify any other potential issues, such as gum disease or cavities, during the screening. This comprehensive check ensures that all aspects of your oral health are taken into consideration.
- Dental Sealants. If our team notices any of your teeth that are at risk of tooth decay, we can provide simple plastic sealants that cover these endangered teeth. The sealants stop bacteria or plaque buildup and decrease the chance of tooth decay.
- Broken fillings or crowns
- Avulsed or lost teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Oral tissue damage
- Loose teeth
- Extreme toothaches
- Inflammation or infection of the tooth root
The Oral Cancer Screening Process
The oral cancer screening process is a simple, non-invasive procedure that provides a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health.
- Visual Examination – The first step in the oral cancer screening process is a visual examination. Dr. Murphy will carefully inspect your face, neck, lips, inside of the nose, and oral cavity. The dentist is looking for any asymmetry, discoloration, ulcers, or swelling. Special tools may be used to get a better view of the back of your mouth and throat. The visual examination is crucial for early detection of any abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
- Physical Examination – Following the visual examination, Dr. Murphy will conduct a physical examination. This involves feeling the head, cheeks, around the jaw, under the chin, and oral cavity to check for any unusual lumps or nodules. The dentist will also be checking for any immobility in the tissues that could indicate a potential concern. It’s a thorough process that ensures all areas prone to oral cancer are checked.
- Additional Tests – In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to further investigate suspicious areas. These may include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken for laboratory examination, or special tests involving rinses or dyes that can help identify abnormal cells. These tests provide a more detailed analysis, ensuring that any signs of oral cancer are not overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth. For science, music, sport, etc, Europe uses the same vocabulary. The languages only differ in their grammar, their pronunciation and their most common words. Everyone realizes why a new common language would be desirable.
Do I Need to See a Dentist Even If My Teeth Feel Fine?
The new common language will be more simple and regular than the existing European languages. It will be as simple as Occidental; in fact, it will be Occidental. To an English person, it will seem like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is. The European languages are members.
What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at Ruby Canyon Dental?
To an English person, it will seem like simplified English. Their separate existence is a myth. The new common language will be more simple and regular than the existing European languages. It will be as simple as Occidental; in fact, it will be Occidental. To an English person, it will seem like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is. The European languages are members of the same family.
When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
The new common language will be more simple and regular than the existing European languages. It will be as simple as Occidental; in fact, it will be Occidental. To an English person, it will seem like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is. The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
The new common language will be more simple and regular than the existing European languages. It will be as simple as Occidental; in fact, it will be Occidental. To an English person, it will seem like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is. The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth.