Heritage Dental Center provides comprehensive oral cancer screenings in Northern Kentucky to detect potential signs of oral cancer early. As your trusted oral cancer exam dentist, we offer thorough evaluations to protect your oral health. Our team provides a comfortable experience and thoroughly answers concerns, helping you feel informed and at ease throughout the process. Schedule your oral cancer screening today.
Our office offers oral cancer screenings to help detect early signs of oral cancer. We'll recommend the best approach and identify any potential issues. We offer several treatment routes to best suit our patients.
Routine Oral Cancer Screenings
For: Early detection of oral cancer.
What it involves: A thorough exam of your mouth, gums, tongue and throat to check for any abnormalities or signs of oral cancer. Early detection improves the success of treatment.
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Exams
For: Patients at higher risk for oral cancer.
What it involves: A detailed examination, including a visual inspection and palpation of the neck, jaw and oral tissues to identify lumps, lesions or other symptoms of oral cancer. This is typically recommended for patients with risk factors such as tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption.
Advanced Oral Cancer Screening Technology
For: Enhanced detection of oral cancer.
What it involves: Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like VELscope or fluorescence technology to aid in the detection of abnormal tissue changes. Advanced screenings are an added measure to ensure comprehensive care for your oral health.
The VELscope is an innovative handheld device designed for early detection of oral cancer and other mucosal abnormalities. It employs a safe blue-spectrum light to scan oral tissues, causing them to fluoresce naturally. This fluorescence creates distinct visual patterns that differentiate between healthy and potentially abnormal tissues, allowing dental professionals to identify suspicious areas that may not be visible to the naked eye during routine examinations.
The VELscope procedure is quick, non-invasive, and requires no dyes or prolonged testing, typically taking only 1-2 minutes to complete during a regular dental checkup. By enabling the early discovery of potential oral cancers when they are highly treatable, the VELscope has significantly improved oral cancer screening capabilities since its introduction in 2006, earning numerous awards and recognitions in the dental industry.
At Heritage Dental Center, we provide thorough oral cancer exams to detect early signs of oral cancer. During your exam, you can expect the following:
Anyone may develop oral cancer, but certain factors can increase your risks. Some of the most common include:
According to a study, oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are twice as common in men than in women.
About 85 percent of patients with oral cancers use tobacco in some form.
A study shows about 70 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
Studies have found a link between diets low in fruits and vegetables and increased oral cancer risk.
Some inherited genetic mutations, which cause different syndromes in the body, carry a high risk of oral cancer.
Oral cancer screenings are recommended at least once a year as part of your regular dental checkup, but if you're at higher risk, such as smokers or those with a family history of cancer, more frequent exams may be necessary.
Many dental insurance plans include oral cancer screenings as part of preventive care, but coverage can vary. It's best to check with your insurance provider to confirm what's covered under your plan.
An oral cancer exam includes a visual and physical examination of the mouth, throat, gums, tongue, lips and surrounding areas to check for abnormal lumps, lesions or changes in tissue that could indicate cancer.
Oral cancer exams are non-invasive and generally do not cause any discomfort or side effects. Some patients may feel slight pressure during the examination, but there are typically no lasting effects.
While oral cancer exams can't prevent cancer, they are crucial for early detection. Early-stage oral cancers are easier to treat and have a higher survival rate, making regular screenings essential for catching potential issues early.
An oral cancer screening typically takes only a few minutes during your regular dental visit. It’s a quick, non-invasive procedure designed to check for early signs of oral health issues.
Experience exceptional dental care at one of our 4 Northern Kentucky locations. We warmly welcome new patients into our practice! Contact us today.
