Oral cancer is a serious health condition that can affect your general health and wellness. It develops in the oral cavity and can include the lips, gums, tongues, cheeks, or the roof or floor of the mouth. When cells in the mouth or lips mutate, oral cancer forms.
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. Though many people may associate cancer with other parts of the body, the mouth is just as susceptible to developing cancerous cells. Oral cancer screenings allow dentists to examine the mouth for signs of cancer.
At Tysons Dentistry, we are not only concerned with your teeth, but also your overall health and wellbeing. That's why we do oral cancer screenings as part of our routine examinations. In the early stages, oral cancer may not cause any pain or other symptoms, so it is important to catch it in the early stages when it is most treatable.
Screenings are quick and easy and can help catch oral cancer in its early stages. Early detection is the key to a successful treatment. During your screening, we will look for any signs of oral cancer, such as red or white patches in your mouth, lumps or bumps, and changes in the way your teeth fit together.
If you notice anything unusual, have any concerns about oral cancer, or have questions about oral cancer screening, we encourage you to contact our Vienna, VA office at any time to schedule an appointment.
Most people are familiar with the routine of a dental visit, but many people may not know that dentists also play an important role in identifying oral cancers. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 54,000 new diagnoses for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. Early detection is critical, and most routine dental visits include—or should include—screening for oral cancer.
Every dental exam at Tysons Dentistry in Vienna, VA, consists of an oral cancer screening to keep your smile healthy. Dr. Ardalan Sanati or Dr. Shohreh Shahram will perform a comprehensive visual examination, take digital x-rays and intraoral images, and look for any unusual tissues in the mouth, face, neck, and head during the oral cancer screening exam.
Your dentist will also look for any signs of cancerous or precancerous tissues in your mouth. These can include red or white patches, sores (including those that do not heal), a lump or growth in your mouth, pain or swelling of the jaw, unexplained bleeding, or changes in the texture of your tissue. If your dentist finds anything out of the ordinary, they can perform a biopsy to test the tissue, identify if cancer is present, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer vary per patient, but they may include:
If you notice any of these symptoms or see a change in your oral health, please get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation study, about 54,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022.
Risk factors for mouth cancer include:
$219 for Comprehensive Exam with 4 bitewing x-rays.
$329 for Comprehensive Exam with 4 bitewing x-rays and Dental Cleaning (not applicable for periodontal treatment or deep cleaning).
*This new patient promo is only available to patients with no insurance.
*You must indicate the New Patient Special at the time of scheduling your appointment in order for this promotion to apply.
At Tysons Dentistry, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental exam. During the exam, Dr. Ardalan Sanati or Dr. Shohreh Shahram will conduct a thorough visual examination, take digital X-rays and intraoral images, and check for any irregular tissues in the mouth, neck, head, and face.
Your dentist will also check for any sores, discolored tissues, and other signs and symptoms of oral cancer. If your dentist notices anything abnormal, they can take a biopsy to test the tissue and determine if cancer is present and develop a custom treatment plan.
Typically, dentists and medical professionals can treat oral cancer by surgically removing it. They may also recommend radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments to remove any remaining cancerous cells.
Some of the ways you can prevent oral cancer are to:
Dr. Ardalan Sanati and his wife, Dr. Shohreh Shahram, both received their Doctoral of Dental Surgery Degrees from New York University College of Dentistry. They are licensed in the states ...
Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of dental health and wellness. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to ensure your smile stays healthy and problem-free. Please get in touch with us today to schedule your next dental exam and oral cancer screening!