Oral Cancer Screening
Most people only think about cavities and gum disease when they schedule regular dental cleanings and exams. However, another important aspect of your oral health deserves just as much attention: oral cancer screening. At Advanced Dental & Implant Care, we take a whole-body approach to dental care, which means looking beyond your teeth and gums to protect your overall well-being.
Why Early Detection Makes All the Difference
Oral cancer is more common than many people realize. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, each year, roughly 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Despite these numbers, many people are unaware that regular dental visits can serve as an important first line of defense.
Like most cancers, oral cancer responds best to treatment when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the survival rate climbs significantly; however, oral cancer develops without pain or obvious symptoms, making it easy to overlook. Our trained Algonquin dentists at Advanced Dental & Implant Care can spot changes in your oral tissue that you may never notice on your own.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
At Advanced Dental & Implant Care, oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and non-invasive. Below is what you can expect:
Visual Examination: Our general and holistic dentists in Algonquin will carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, back of your throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth. They are looking for any abnormalities, unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or patches that appear red or white.
Physical Examination: Our dentist gently feels the mouth and neck tissues for any unusual masses or swellings that could signal a problem.
Advanced Screening Tools: Some dental offices use specialized lights or dyes to help reveal abnormal cells that aren’t visible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions.
A screening takes just a few minutes and is performed as part of your routine teeth cleaning and dental examination. If anything unusual is found, Dr. Christopher Pottorff or one of his associate dentists will discuss the next steps, which may include monitoring the area over time or referring you to a specialist for a biopsy.
Some factors that increase your risk of developing oral cancer include alcohol consumption, tobacco, prolonged sun exposure, and infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). However, it is worth noting that a growing number of oral cancers occur in people with no obvious risk factors. This is exactly why screenings are recommended for everyone, not just those who smoke or drink.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Advanced Dental & Implant Care
Early detection saves lives. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit—or if you’ve never had a formal oral cancer screening—now is the right time to schedule one. Contact Advanced Dental & Implant Care at (847) 854-1200 to schedule an oral cancer screening in Algonquin and protect your oral health.