Oral Cancer Screenings in Clearwater, FL
In an effort to reduce the numbers of oral cancer related deaths each year, we the dental professionals at Soni Smiles General & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, FL enjoy keeping our patients as up-to-date and educated as possible. If you have not already had an oral cancer screening, allow us to inform you a little bit more about what they are, and how they can be a truly life-saving examination that could take no more than 5 minutes.
HOW IS AN ORAL CANCER SCREENING CONDUCTED?
An oral cancer screening is typically conducted during a routine dental exam. As stated before, the examination takes only a few minutes and your dentist will work by visually and manually examining your mouth, head, neck, and throat to look for any warning signs of oral cancer. Typical oral cancer symptoms or visual indicators include:
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarse voice
- Swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes
- Changes to the color of the soft tissue
- Stores in the soft tissue that do not heal
- Changes in texture of soft tissue
Aside from the typical manual or visual aspect of the examination, your dentist will also take a moment to have a conversation with you in order to find out if there are any non-visual signs of oral cancer. Feel free to tell your local Clearwater dentist about any history of cancer in the family or past bouts of cancer.
BENEFITS OF GETTING AN ORAL CANCER EXAMINATION
Studies have shown time and time again that early diagnosis is the key in reducing the number of oral cancer related deaths. In order to get diagnosed early, it is important that you take your biannual dental exams and cleaning appointments extremely serious. By visiting a local dentist in the Clearwater, FL area that you can trust, you’re able to get these oral cancer screenings about every six months which will increase your chances of receiving a diagnosis during the early and most treatable stages.
CONSULT YOUR CLEARWATER DENTIST TODAY!
If you are due for an oral cancer screening or would simply like to talk to a Clearwater dentist about oral cancer, feel free to give the team at Soni Smiles General & Implant Dentistry a call. Call our office in order to schedule a consultation appointment that can give you peace of mind as soon as possible.