Oral Cancer Screening

A woman dentist assisting an older man with dental treatment.

Oral cancer accounts for 2.9% of all diagnosed cases of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society it is estimated that 51,000 people across the country will develop oral cancer this year and that 10,000 fatalities are expected from the disease.

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the orofacial complex but is most often found on the tongue, the tonsils and oropharynx, the gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining or the hard palate. While the disease can affect anyone, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. Those particularly at risk for oral cancer are men over the age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequently drink alcohol. Additional risk factors may include UV exposure from the sun or sunlamps, GERD (gastro-intestinal reflux disease), prior head and neck radiation treatment, exposure to certain chemicals and poor diet. While the death rate from oral cancer has been decreasing in the past several decades thanks to early detection and advanced methods of treatment improving the outcomes of care, there has been a recent rise in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer due to increased transmission of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).

As part of a comprehensive exam, the dentist will perform a screening for oral cancer. To start, the dentist will review the patient’s medical and dental histories and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health. The dentist will then carefully check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem

Dental Implant Assessment

For how long have you been missing teeth?
Do you experience any pain or discomfort when eating or chewing?
Do you find it difficult to eat the foods you want or have to adjust the way you chew?
Do you ever avoid smiling or feel self-conscious about your smile in social settings?
What's the main thing stopping you from improving your smile?
Where are you in your decision process?
Have you spoken with another dentist about implants?
Approximately how much was the cost of the proposed treatment plan?
Would you like to explore affordable payment options?
How would you rate your overall credit health?
What matters most to you when considering an implant dentist?
Would you like to share a photo of your smile?
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