Oral Cancer Screening

To help further the health and endurance of your smile, we include thorough oral exams during your regular checkups. We are happy to offer advanced oral cancer screenings in Durham, North Carolina, to keep a close eye on your smile and prevent serious health issues from arising. If you would like to learn more, we welcome you to contact Providence Smiles today at 919-682-4861 and set up a visit with our dentist, Dr. Kwame Gyampo.

An Ounce of Prevention …

Some people think that going to the dentist (or any doctor for that matter) is something you only do when you have an obvious problem, but that is a surefire way to spend time, money and peace of mind that you simply do not have to. Almost every problem with your oral health starts small and gradually grows into a larger issue. This includes tooth decay, misalignment, gum disease and more. But it can also include more damaging and dangerous problems that you would not be aware of on your own.

Oral cancer is one such risk. The warning signs of oral cancer can be easily missed by someone who is not trained to find them, or they can be caught but classified as the effects of some other issue. Many instances of oral cancer are not caught until they have progressed to an advanced stage, at which point the damage cancer has done might not be reversible. Oral cancer can even be life threatening if not addressed.

Healthy Now and for the Future

Our dentist and team at Providence Smiles are focused on and committed to your health, oral and overall, and an oral cancer screening is an important part of your regular exams and cleanings at our office. Dr. Gyampo will carefully examine your mouth, neck and the rest of your head to check for any unusual lumps, colors or spots of pain. This is quick and easy, but it can make a huge difference in the outcome of oral cancer treatment if we catch anything out of the ordinary early. If we find anything wrong, we will likely suggest a biopsy to discover what the problem is and then talk with you about the options you have for treatment.

FAQ

I do not see anything wrong with my mouth. Do I still need a screening?

We still recommend regular oral cancer screenings even if you do not think there is anything wrong with your smile or oral cavity. Our dentist and team can look at your mouth in more detail and are trained to spot the warning signs of oral cancer before they become obvious to you. Plus, an oral cancer screening takes almost no time at all.

Are there any signs I can be looking for at home?

Though the signs of oral cancer might not always be obvious to you, there are a number of things you can keep an eye out for, including:

• A sore throat that does not go away
• Feeling like something is always stuck in the back of your throat
• Sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
• Unexplained numbness of the face, neck or mouth
• Ear pain or persistent ringing
• Thick bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips and other parts of the mouth
• Red and white patches in the mouth
• Having a hard time chewing, swallowing or speaking
• A change in the fit of dentures or another oral appliance

If you notice any of these warning signs, please notify us immediately so we can get you in for an oral cancer screening.

How often should I receive a screening?

When you come in for your regular exams and cleanings, our dentist will give you a quick oral cancer screening, and that is generally often enough for most of our patients. If you notice anything unusual or alarming about your smile, though, please come into our office for an additional screening.

Contact us today to learn more about oral cancer screenings and set up your next appointment!