Oral Cancer Screening | River Valley Dental

Oral cancer has a profound impact on a person's health, affecting the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Late treatment also leads to reduced chances of a successful outcome. At River Valley Dental, we believe early detection is the key to an effective recovery, so we provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings.

What is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a painless and non-invasive examination to identify signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. Our experienced dental professionals will inspect your mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth.

Our oral cancer screening machine uses specialized light to find abnormal tissues in the mouth, aiding us in detecting potential signs of the disease. We also offer saliva lab testing, which aids in identifying potential cancer markers.

Signs of Oral Cancer

Being aware of the common symptoms of oral cancer can empower you to seek timely medical attention. Some visible signs include:

Persistent mouth sores
Difficulty swallowing
A lump or thickening in the mouth or neck
Unexplained bleeding
White or red patches in the mouth
Persistent hoarseness

Why are Oral Cancer Screenings So Important?

Untreated oral cancer can spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body, requiring more complex and invasive treatments. In addition, advanced oral cancer affects speech, eating, and facial appearance.

Catching oral cancer early increases your chances of a positive outcome. Through routine screenings, we can monitor any changes in your oral health and promptly address them, giving you a better chance of a favorable prognosis.

Do You Need an Oral Cancer Screening?

If you haven't had an oral cancer screening in the past year or have noticed any potential symptoms, we invite you to schedule a visit to River Valley Dental. Contact us to schedule your appointment, and let us help you maintain a healthy smile for life.