Marietta Oral Cancer Screening Dentist
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, one of the more important things we do is conduct an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screenings are performed as part of regularly scheduled dental cleanings at our family dentist office in Marietta.
Our experienced family dentist, Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala, strives to leave every patient visiting our Marietta office with a healthy mouth and gleaming smile. Sadly, oral cancer is a reality for many individuals, but identifying the signs early-on will provide the best chance for successful treatment.
Professional Oral Cancer Screening Dentist
Simply put, checking for signs of oral cancer isn’t a pressing matter for most people. Common symptoms of oral cancer are often hidden at the back of the mouth where you won’t see or feel them. For this reason, Shining Smiles includes oral cancer screening with every routine oral examination. During an exam, Dr. Mohip will conduct a quick and painless screening to evaluate the health of your mouth.
If you do have concerns about lumps, bleeding or other issues, you can also schedule a dedicated oral cancer screening test. We understand your concerns and are here to help – our team can put your mind at ease here at our friendly and welcoming dental office in Marietta.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening Test
Oral cancer screenings are precautionary and should not be cause for concern. The process involves an examination of the face, neck and mouth for lumps, swelling, discoloration and other potential issues.
Dr. Mohip’s gentle and considerate manner will calm apprehensions and prepare you for what is usually a routine checkup. At Shining Smiles, your oral health and dental hygiene always comes first. Whatever your concerns or needs, including worries about oral cancer or other dental issues, don’t hesitate to speak to us.
What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
Naturally, not every sign or symptom that shows there’s something “out of the ordinary” in your mouth is oral cancer. However, it’s important to stay on top of things, and early detection is key. If you are experiencing any of the following oral cancer signs or symptoms, please contact our office to schedule your oral cancer screening.
- Pain in the ear, mouth or anywhere in the facial region
- Sores that resemble ulcers but do not heal
- Pain while swallowing that persists beyond a normal sore throat
- Coughing or enlarged lymph nodes
It’s actually quite simple – when you notice any changes occurring in or around your mouth, please schedule an oral cancer screening. An oral cancer screening is one more component that helps ensure the best dental health, and the best physical health overall.
Common Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
What are some of the factors that increase the chances of getting oral cancer?
While anyone can get oral cancer, some common factors can increase the likelihood of a diagnosis. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of oral cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and frequent exposure to the sun are major causes. Additionally, there is a greater risk for men than women, and for anyone over 40 years of age.
What happens if my dentist identifies a sign of oral cancer during a screening?
If your dentist has concerns, they may perform more checks and possibly refer you to a physician. However, discovering a potential problem is not a diagnosis, and any findings could be unrelated to oral cancer.
How should I prepare for an oral cancer screening?
You don’t need to specially prepare for an oral cancer screening appointment. Dr. Mohip puts your comfort first, and this procedure is quick. Through close observation and gently feeling inside the mouth, we check for any abnormalities that require further investigation.
Trusted Oral Cancer Dentist in Marietta
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we provide an oral cancer screening with your routine oral examination. For this or any other dental treatment, contact our office in Marietta by calling (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment now.
