Miller Family Dentistry, located in Nashville, TN, offers routine oral cancer screening examinations. Checking for oral cancer can be challenging, but with the right dental professionals, maintaining frequent dental visits, receiving a proper diagnosis, and coming up with a treatment plan can make a big difference.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is all types of cancer that can develop within the oral cavity. There can be various forms of oral cancer within the mouth, tongue, jaw, palate, pharynx, and sinus cancer. Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer is caused by the malignant growth in cells that results in the formation of growths and sores in the mouth that do not heal.
What should patients expect during an oral cancer screening and exam?
At Miller Family Dentistry, the examination process for oral cancer screening begins with the dentist conducting a dental examination with a medical history analysis and physical exam. Dentists will conduct diagnostic x-rays and biopsies and offer treatment plans to the patient.
During dental examinations, the dentist checks inside the mouth for white or red spots and abnormalities within the mouth tissues. Dentists also check for unusual-looking tissue with raised or crusty areas because they may contain cancerous growths.
Patients should regularly screened for oral cancer and other abnormalities for early detection. Screening also helps to provide earlier diagnosis, which helps to detect cancer at the treatable stage, improving treatment efficiency and resulting in higher survival rates.
Although the price varies depending on location, the average cost of oral cancer screening is $70 to $90. Oral cancer can be treated through surgery, medication, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
What are the symptoms of oral cancers?
There are several signs and symptoms of oral cancer, including:
- Lip or mouth sores that do not heal
- Persistent red or white patches in the mouth
- Teeth loss
- Growth or lumps inside the mouth
- Persistent pain in the mouth or ear
- Trouble chewing and swallowing
- Persistent pain when opening your mouth
Protect Your Smile at Miller Family Dentistry
Diagnosing oral cancer can be difficult, so it is advisable to consult with a professional dentist. By visiting Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, TN, your chances of detecting oral cancer through routine checkups every six months will greatly improve your oral health and hygiene. If you are considering a screening, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.