When most people think about their routine dental checkup, they often focus on cavity prevention and teeth cleaning. However, there’s another vital component of your visit that shouldn’t be missed: your oral cancer screening. This quick, painless examination can be a true lifesaver, detecting early signs of oral cancer when treatment is most effective. Your mouth tells a story about your overall health, and regular screenings help ensure that story has a happy ending.
At Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, Dr. Nicholas Goetz and his compassionate team understand the importance of comprehensive oral health care. As one of only 150 maxillofacial prosthodontic trained dental professionals in the United States, Dr. Goetz brings advanced knowledge and gentle care to every screening. We believe in creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing any concerns they may have about their oral health.
Oral cancer screening is an in-depth examination of your mouth, throat, and surrounding areas to check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. During this process, we carefully inspect your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, and throat for any abnormal changes. The screening also includes feeling around your neck and jaw for lumps or swelling.
This examination is much more comprehensive than what you might do when looking in the mirror at home. We use specialized techniques and lighting to identify subtle changes that may not be visible to the untrained eye. The process is pain-free and typically takes just a few minutes during your regular dental appointment.
Think of oral cancer screening as a safety net for your health. Just as you might check your skin for unusual moles or women perform breast self-exams, oral cancer screening provides an opportunity to catch problems early. According to the American Dental Association, certain conditions like leukoplakia–thick, white-colored patches–can sometimes be associated with oral cancer, making professional screening even more critical.
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The most encouraging aspect of oral cancer screening is how much more treatable oral cancer becomes when caught early. When found in its initial stages, oral cancer has significantly better outcomes and treatment options. This makes routine screening an incredibly valuable part of your preventive healthcare.
During your screening, we look for several abnormal signs, including:
Early detection also means less invasive treatment options. When oral cancer is caught early, treatment may be simpler and more effective. This is why we recommend regular screenings as part of your routine dental care, especially if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a family history of cancer.
Age plays a role, with most oral cancers occurring in people over 40. However, we’ve seen cases in younger patients too, which is why we don’t rely solely on age as a determining factor.
Tobacco use in any form significantly increases risk, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco. Heavy alcohol consumption also elevates risk, and the combination of tobacco and alcohol creates an even higher risk level. Additionally, excessive sun exposure can boost the risk of lip cancer.
People with a personal or family history of cancer may also benefit from more frequent screenings. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been linked to certain types of oral cancer as well. However, it’s important to remember that oral cancer can happen in people with no known risk factors. This is why we recommend regular screenings for all our patients as part of routine preventive care.
Even if you sustain excellent oral hygiene and have no risk factors, regular screenings provide peace of mind and early detection capabilities. We’ve found that many patients appreciate the thoroughness of our examinations and feel more confident about their oral health.
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may enhance your risk of developing the disease.
Your oral cancer screening at our Delray Beach practice begins with a conversation about your health history and any concerns you may have. We take time to listen to your questions and explain each step of the process. Our goal is to make you feel relaxed and informed throughout your visit.
The visual examination follows, during which we use specialized lighting and instruments to carefully inspect all areas of your mouth and throat. We may use a small mirror to see areas normally hidden from view. This part of the screening is completely painless and takes just a few minutes.
The physical examination involves gently feeling areas of your neck, jaw, and throat to check for unusual lumps or swelling. Dr. Goetz’s advanced training allows him to identify subtle changes others might miss. We also examine your gum health during this comprehensive evaluation.
If we notice anything unusual, we’ll discuss our findings with you and may suggest additional testing or referral to a specialist. Most of the time, screenings reveal nothing concerning, giving you confidence in your oral health. When we do find something that requires attention, early detection puts you in the best possible position for successful treatment.
At Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, we’re committed to providing thorough, compassionate care that goes beyond just treating teeth. Dr. Nicholas Goetz’s extensive training, including his Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship at UCLA, and his experience with the US Army and the VA Medical Hospital ensure that you receive the highest level of care. Our team takes pride in building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
We believe preventive care is the foundation of excellent oral health, and oral cancer screening plays a crucial role in maintaining your well-being. Combined with our complete range of services, including prosthodontic treatments, we’re here to support your oral health journey at every stage. To schedule your oral cancer screening and comprehensive dental examination, call us at (561) 265-1998 or contact our friendly team today.
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