Oral Cancer Screening
Salem, OR
 If you plan to make an appointment with the dentist, then you can expect them to conduct a screening for oral cancer too. Although you may not desire one to be conducted, you may feel happy to know that it is done as a precautionary measure. This precautionary exam can easily set your mind at ease.
Having an oral cancer exam will involve the general inspection of your gums and other soft tissue within the oral cavity. This is what the dental professionals will conduct here at Shull Family Dentistry. By making sure that you are cancer free, the cancer exam will also ensure that detection is made early if anything suspicious comes up.
Should Oral Cancer Screenings Be Regularly Scheduled?
Regardless of what you go in to see your dentist for, you will likely see them make a visual inspection of your mouth and look inside before doing anything else you have scheduled. This will be the oral cancer screening.
The amount of time it takes to conduct the screening will be determined whether anything out of the ordinary is seen upon visualization. Your dentist will discuss any concerns with you following the check. The check can also take place after your appointment if not done beforehand.
What Does An Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
During your dental appointment, the dentist will conduct a visual inspection of your oral cavity and throat. They will also feel around the neck for any lumps that may suggest an abnormality. Although the screening is thorough, some signs may not be seen or felt during the screening.
Do You Need An Oral Cancer Screening?
With every dental appointment that you make, the dentist may conduct the screening without you knowing it. This will be hard to avoid unless you know to ask about it. If cancer runs in your family, then you should let your dentist know so that they can always conduct the screening.
When the oral cancer screening is completed, it provides an early form of detection so that treatment can begin before any condition worsens. By eliminating bad habits such as smoking, you will be able to eliminate your risk of oral cancer. If you do not help yourself by stopping bad habits early, then your risks will increase the older that you get.
Known Signs of Oral Cancer
Many types of oral cancer exist and the signs associated with them are also varied. However, when you can recognize these signs, you will be able to point them out to the dentist at your appointment. A good sign to report is a numbing sensation that you experience in your mouth.
Other oral cancer signs that you may recognize are having a throat that is sore or scratchy. You may also experience difficulty swallowing and pain as you chew may occur. If these signs are present, your dentist will need to be made aware.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening
Now that you know the importance of having an oral cancer screening, you should set up an appointment with us here at Shull Family Dentistry. The dentist will conduct a thorough dental exam and address any concerns that were found. You will then be scheduled for a future screening in six months. |
