Oral Cancer Screenings in Cleveland, OH

When a person experiences an oral health problem, such as a toothache, going to the dentist becomes a top priority. But what about when your mouth looks and feels normal? Visiting the dentist for routine dental exams is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile for life, even when your smile appears to be in tip-top shape. 

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At Ryba Dentistry, our trusted team is committed to helping you prevent and treat dental concerns, including oral cancer. Here's what you should know about how an oral cancer screening could benefit you before scheduling your next checkup.

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What is Oral Cancer Screening?

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Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of a routine dental checkup. During an oral cancer screening, the dentist examines your mouth, throat, and neck for signs of oral cancer. They are usually quite fast and are entirely painless. 

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Oral cancer can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the mouth and body, often without a person realizing it. For this reason, early detection is critical for a favorable treatment prognosis. 

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The most common locations for oral cancer to develop are the tongue and floor of the mouth, especially in long-term smokers. It is possible for oral cancer to be cured if detected and treated early enough, some oral cancers have an excellent long-term prognosis. Even after treatment is incurred, frequent follow-ups are necessary to check for recurrence. 

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Oral cancer often presents early indicators, such as new lesions in the mouth that do not go away. These lesions may appear ulcerous, look like white, blue, or red patches, or feel like a lump depending on the location. It's always best to get new lesions checked out by your dentist. It's important to note that not all mouth lesions are cancerous and are rather sometimes related to a patient's other overall health conditions.

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What Services Do You Offer for Oral Cancer Screening?

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Our highly trained providers have extensive backgrounds in oral pathology and oral cancer detection methods. We proudly offer preventative oral cancer screenings during every patient's routine dental exam and oral cancer treatment plans if a dental abnormality is detected. If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, our team will create a personalized treatment plan catered to your specific needs to restore the health of your mouth as quickly and smoothly as possible.

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What Are the Different Types of Oral Cancer Screening?

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There are several forms of oral cancer that can be detected via visual examination and routine radiographs (X-rays). Many types of oral cancers start out as painless lesions that go unnoticed by the patient. 

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An oral cancer screening is completed via a visual clinical examination of all oral structures, including the tongue, floor of mouth, palate, cheeks, and oropharynx. X-rays may also be consulted to detect any lesions contained within bony structures.

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If the dentist suspects oral cancer may be present based on your physical exam and/or X-rays, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a laboratory to confirm your diagnosis.

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Protect Your Smile from Oral Cancer at Ryba Dentistry 

 

By visiting Ryba Dentistry every six months for routine dental exams, you can ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. If you notice any abnormalities in your mouth, including red or white spots that won't go away, don't hesitate to schedule a dental checkup right away. Early detection can make all the difference in ensuring a fast and effective recovery. To schedule your next dental appointment in Cleveland or Seven Hills, OH, or to learn more about preventing oral cancer, contact us today!