-Jul-25-2024-12-41-17-7647-PM.png?width=100&height=100&name=Clove%20Dental%20White%20Small%20(8)-Jul-25-2024-12-41-17-7647-PM.png "Clove Dental White Small (8)-Jul-25-2024-12-41-17-7647-PM")
Oral Cancer Screening in Oxnard
At Clove Dental in Oxnard, your overall health is our number one priority, well beyond your smile. Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that often develops without apparent warning signs. That is why oral cancer screening is a key component of routine preventive dental care. Our trained staff uses the most advanced technology available to detect early warning signs., thus offering you the best chance for effective treatment and long-term health. With our individualized approach and focus on early detection, you can be certain your health is in good hands.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a routine dental procedure used to detect the initial signs of cancer or precancerous lesions in the mouth and adjacent tissues. These are your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, throat, gums, and even the roof or floor of your mouth.
During the screening procedure, we thoroughly examine your mouth for any strange patches, non-healing sores, discoloration, or swelling. In addition, we gently examine your jaw and neck for tumors or abnormalities.
Common risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of oral or throat cancer
However, oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle, so regular screenings are key for early intervention.
Signs You Might Need an Oral Cancer Screening
Routine testing is useful to everyone, but some symptoms should never be overlooked. These may suggest that an immediate assessment is warranted.
- Constantly recurring sores: Any ulcer or lesion that has lasted longer than two weeks should be examined.
- White or red patches: Oral tissue discoloration may be a prelude to aberrant cell alterations.
- Unusual lumps or swelling: Check for lumps in the mouth, beneath the tongue, or on the neck.
- Persistent soreness or numbness: If you have mouth or jaw pain, or if your lips do not feel right, you may have a problem.
- Difficulties eating or swallowing: Having difficulties using your mouth, tongue, or jaw may be a warning indicator.
- Changes in speech or voice: Hoarseness or persistent changes in voice should be handled carefully.
- Unexpected bleeding: You should be concerned if you have unexpected bleeding in your mouth.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Periodic checks are one of the easiest but most efficient ways to be proactive towards possible health threats. This is the reason why it is crucial:
Promotes Awareness
Fast and Unobtrusive
Identifies Issues Early
Reduces Future Risk
Oral Cancer Screening Procedure at Clove Dental in Oxnard
At Clove Dental, our oral cancer screening is thorough but easy. We make sure you're comfortable, well cared for, and well informed throughout the process.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive review of your dental and medical history. If you have any known risk factors, for example, smoking or a family history of cancer, we will take extra precautions when examining you.
Step 2: Visual Inspection
We closely look at your lips, gums, tongue, inside cheeks, throat, and other soft tissues for color variation, sores, or variations in texture.
Step 3: Physical Palpation
Your dentist thoroughly checks your jawline, neck, and the underside of your chin for lumps or changes in tissue that the naked eye might miss.
Step 4: Further Testing (if needed)
Should we discover anything that raises concern, we might suggest scheduling a follow-up appointment or referring you for a biopsy to ascertain whether additional treatment is required.
The system is quick, easy, and extremely efficient at identifying potential issues in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
We'll walk you through the following steps if we find anything unexpected. This might involve referring you to a specialist for a biopsy, arranging a follow-up appointment, or doing a more complete examination of the region. We will keep you updated and inspired throughout the process.
