Oral Cancer Screenings in St Petersburg, FL 

You may want to schedule a screening during your next dental exam to determine if you are at risk for developing oral cancer. The objective of oral cancer screenings is to identify signs of oral cancer early on and increase the chances of successful recovery.

The good news is that more than 84 percent of oral cancer cases can be detected early and treated successfully. At Dental Arts ninth St, we use the latest, state-of-the-technology to detect oral cancer.

What to Expect from an Oral Cancer Screening

The whole idea of an oral cancer screening is to detect risks before a patient experiences any symptoms. When cancerous tissue is found early, it can be treated quickly to prevent cancer from progressing.

Screening for oral cancer early is crucial as it may have spread by the time symptoms begin to appear. If the screening test results show abnormalities, your dentist will refer you for further diagnostic tests or refer you to a specialist.

Your dentist in St Petersburg, FL will suggest further steps to be taken in case of any indications.

Common Signs of Oral Cancer

Some common signs of oral cancer could include:

• Persistent sores in the mouth that do not heal
• Thickening of the cheek or lumps
• Reddish or whitish patches on the lining of the mouth, tonsils, gums or tongue
• Difficulties in moving the jaw or tongue
• Difficulties in swallowing and feeling that something is blocking your throat

In addition, patients may experience persistent bad breath, pain in the jaw, or loosening of teeth. Call a dentist near you for more information about oral cancer screenings.

What Happens During Oral Cancer Screening

Your dentist is your first line of defense against oral cancer. He or she will ask you questions about your medical history before the exam. People who smoke or drink excessively are at higher risk for oral cancer.

The dentist will thoroughly examine your cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, head, and neck for any abnormalities. If required, they may send a tissue sample for biopsy.

Contact Dental Arts ninth St in St Petersburg, FL for information on oral cancer screenings near you.