Peace of Mind in a Matter of Minutes
When you think about visiting the dentist, you probably think about healthcare for teeth. However, we offer so much more than beautiful smiles. In fact, during your routine dental checkups, Dr. Rasmussen provides oral cancer screenings in Tallahassee. With a quick examination, he can ensure that you’re cancer-free! Read on to learn more about this potentially lifesaving dental visit.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is often difficult to spot on your own, which is why it’s so important to visit our office for routine screenings. However, you can also be on the look out for these common warning signs:
- Sores on the mouth or lips that won’t heal
- White or reddish patches inside the mouth
- A growth or lump in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Mouth pain
- Ear pain
- Pain when swallowing
- Pain when chewing
What Does My Dentist Look for During a Screening?
During your screening, Dr. Rasmussen will look for the symptoms listed above. He will also check for any abnormalities or asymmetries in/on your mouth, face, neck, head, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other related areas. Dentists alone catch the majority of oral cancer cases, which is why you should never skip your routine checkup with our office. You may have even received oral cancer screenings in the past without knowing because they only take a couple of minutes to complete.
What to Expect During My Screening?
While you’re in the dental chair for your regular checkup and cleaning, Dr. Rasmussen will also carefully examine your mouth, gums, and head, paying close attention to anything out of the ordinary. After a visual exam, he will move on to the physical portion. With this quick and easy check, he feels along the lymph nodes and your jaw to ensure there aren’t any strange lumps or bumps. Once the physical exam is complete, you’ll be on your way. If your dentist does detect signs of oral cancer, he will order a biopsy for further investigation. That way, you can receive treatment as soon as possible. The quicker oral cancer is treated, the more likely you are to enjoy a full recovery.
If you have any questions about oral cancer screenings, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office!