Raleigh Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection is Key
Here at North Ridge Dental, we incorporate a holistic approach to dentistry. The oral-systemic connection between your mouth and overall wellness is closer than most people realize. That’s why we provide in-house oral cancer screenings in Raleigh as part of our ongoing preventative care services.
Importance of Getting Screened
Unfortunately, oral cancer is extremely challenging to find on your own. The average oral cancer patient will never realize that something is wrong until their disease has reached an advanced, life-threatening stage.
As your oral health provider, we’re skilled in identifying pathological and pre-cancerous tissues when the warning signs are only just beginning. Due to the extensive amount of time we spend in your mouth, we have an intense understanding of the various oral structures and how things ought to look. That’s why oral cancer screenings and visits with your dentist go hand in hand!
Signs of Oral Cancer:
Some of the most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Red or white lesions on mouth or lip
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Sore, lump or pain that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth – seems to be for no reason
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Swelling and/or numbness in the mouth
Treatment Options
The best treatment for oral cancer is having it diagnosed early as possible. The smaller the area involved, the more likely treatment is to be successful. Typically, we will begin with a biopsy for formal lab diagnosis. If the tissue is deemed to be pathological, we can refer you to an appropriate specialist such as an oral surgeon to have it removed. Depending on the diagnosis and extent of the disease, traditional cancer therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy drugs may be the preferred method of treatment alongside surgical removal.
Oral Cancer Dental Exam - What To Expect
The typical oral cancer exam is incorporated into your routine Raleigh dental exam and checkup appointment. As we visually assess the tissues throughout your mouth, it may also be necessary to palpate glands to check for inflammation. Advanced screenings services may also be available, which make it possible to use special lighting to identify precancerous tissues before they ever become evident to the naked eye.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a silent, deadly disease. Even if you don’t smoke or drink, you’re not in the clear. Schedule a routine exam with our Raleigh dental office at least twice a year.
