Just One of the Services Offered at Every Visit: Oral Cancer Screening
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is expected that more than 4,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with oral cavity cancer in 2017 and more than 1,200 of these cases will lead to death.
The good news is that early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment, so sticking to your regular scheduled check-ups and staying aware of any oral changes yourself are key.
Our team at Periodontal Associates is highly trained to look for any oral concerns that could indicate a more serious diagnosis. At each and every treatment, regardless of your oral history, we will do a cancer screening. If you have any concerns, please bring them to our attention. All concerns will be taken seriously… you will never be dismissed.
Here’s what we at Periodontal Associates share with all of our dental patients to help them stay proactive with their dental health.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer (reasons for an oral cancer screening)
The reality is that many of our regular clients have some sort of soft-tissue abnormality that could resemble early signs of trouble. That’s why when you are meeting with one of our dental experts you might hear us ask about recent trauma to the mouth, biting of your inner cheek, cold sores, etc.. This is our way of determining normal wear and tear from a pre-cancerous sign.
Here are some red flags that you should be aware of, and if not cleared within a reasonable amount of time (i.e. 2 or 3 weeks), should be discussed with your dental partner:
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal within 2 weeks
- Bleeding
- White or red patches in mouth or on the lip
- A lump or area that seems “thicker” than normal
- Loose teeth
- Numbness in the mouth or on your tongue or lips
- Swollen jaw or salivary glands
Sometimes our team will simply monitor a possible trouble zone to see if it clears on its own or if it worsens. In those cases where suspect tissues have been found, the only way a definitive diagnosis of oral cancer can be determined is through a biopsy. If that is the case, our team would walk you through the next steps to getting an answer.
If Periodontal Associates is not your every day dentist, we will work directly with your dentist to ensure that the you receive the best care possible from the initial diagnosis until discharge. At any time if there is a concern or a question, our Periodontal Associates team is here to help.
Call us at 1-800-341-7471 or connect via email at [email protected] to book your visit for an oral cancer screening. We want to see you smile and stay healthy!
