An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless exam that helps identify unusual changes in your mouth. During your visit to Five Parks Dental, your dentist in Arvada, CO, will carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat for suspicious spots, sores, or discoloration.
Your dentist may also gently feel your jaw and neck for unusual lumps or swelling. An oral cancer screening in Arvada typically takes just a few minutes and can be performed during your routine dental checkup.
For more information, read the Academy of General Dentistry's guide to oral cancer screenings.
What If Your Dentist Finds Something Unusual?
Don't panic! Most unusual spots turn out to be harmless. However, if your oral cancer screening dentist notices something concerning, they may monitor the area or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Only a biopsy can confirm an oral cancer diagnosis. Oral cancer cannot be diagnosed through routine blood tests.
Be sure to tell your oral cancer screening dentist about any sore, white or red patch, or lump that hasn't healed within approximately two weeks.
Schedule Your Checkup in Arvada, CO
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips can increase your risk of oral cancer, especially under Colorado's sunny skies.
Regular dental visits help identify potential concerns early. Contact Five Parks Dental today to schedule your next checkup and oral cancer screening!