Do General Dentists Perform Oral Cancer Examinations?

general dentist Los Angeles, CA

Wondering if you need a general dentist? There are many different types of dental professionals who can treat dental patients. General dentists are the most common type of dentist, as they are the dental professionals who tend to be a patient's first point of contact, whether they are in need of restorative or cosmetic dental services.

Can general dentists perform oral cancer examinations?

Yes, they can. When oral cancer is found in its earliest stages, it is much easier to treat. This is the main reason that general dentists perform this type of dental examination every time they see a dental patient. According to the American Dental Association, early detection may result in better treatment outcomes and may help keep you or someone you love from becoming claimed by the disease.

Who is at risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer?

Those who are over the age of 50, who previously or currently smoke or who drink a large amount of alcohol have an increased chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer. Men are diagnosed more often than women, and those who have been diagnosed with HPV need to let their dentist know, as this increases one’s chance of being diagnosed.

Signs of oral cancer

Common signs of oral cancer include having a mouth sore that does not seem to heal, having a mouth sore that bleeds easily, seeing a change in color within one’s gum tissues, a lump or thick spot in the mouth, any pain or tenderness in the mouth or lips and experiencing difficulty when chewing, swallowing, talking or moving the tongue around.

How an oral exam for cancer is performed

While the oral examination process to check for signs of oral cancer is not difficult to perform, it is one of the more important types of dental examinations. First, a dentist will ask about any medical changes or anything unusual occurring within the mouth. The exam then requires the dental professional to thoroughly look inside of the mouth, being careful to check every area for any signs of oral cancer. This includes checking the gums, cheeks, tongue, lips and the roof and bottom of the mouth. They will also check the throat, tonsils, jaw and neck for anything that feels abnormal.

When is the last time you had your mouth checked?

Ready to make an appointment with a general dentist so you can get checked for signs of oral cancer? If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup, we invite you to contact us now to schedule this important dental appointment. Just let us know when you would like to come in so we can accommodate you at that time. If you have any questions, please be sure to write them down and bring them with you, as we are more than happy to provide you with the answers. We are here to help!

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

How Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth

Dental sealants are an effective method to protect your smile from cavities and decay. They offer a barrier that shields your teeth from harmful bacteria and plaque. This preventive treatment can help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent more serious dental issues in the future.Dental sealants are thin and plastic coatings that dentists apply…

Reasons To Visit An Implant Dentist

There are many types of dental professionals; however, you will need specialized care when it comes to dental implants. An implant dentist specializes in installing dental implants and treating conditions caused by or affecting them. Here is a list of conditions requiring an implant dentist’s care.Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. They…

What Are The Services That An Implant Dentist Provides?

An implant dentist is a dental professional who specializes in teeth replacement treatment with dental implant restorations. A dental implant is a screw-like titanium restoration that is placed into the jawbone and serves as the root of a replacement tooth (or multiple replacement teeth). In this review, we discuss the services that an implant dentist…

What Is An Implant Dentist And How Can They Help You?

There are many different types of dental specialists, but if you are looking for one that can help you with missing teeth, then what you need is an implant dentist. This particular type of dentist specializes in the installation of dental implants for missing teeth. Figuring out whether or not dental implants are right for…