Oral Cancer Screenings
Visual and tactile screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer during your routine dental visits.Early Detection Can Save Your Life
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year, and early detection dramatically improves survival rates. At New Image Advanced Dental in Trinidad, CO, Dr. Amy Wilson includes a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every routine dental exam. The screening is quick, painless, and could catch a life-threatening condition at its most treatable stage.
Many patients are unaware that their dentist is often the first healthcare provider to detect signs of oral cancer. Our commitment to comprehensive exams means that every visit is an opportunity to protect not just your teeth, but your overall health.
What We Look For
During your screening, Dr. Wilson carefully examines all the soft tissues in your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, throat, and gum tissue. She looks for:
- Sores or ulcers that have not healed within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the oral tissues
- Unusual lumps, bumps, or thickened areas
- Changes in the texture or color of tissue
- Persistent numbness or tenderness
Risk Factors
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk. These include tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco), heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and a previous history of oral cancer. Patients with multiple risk factors should be especially diligent about regular screenings.
What Happens If Something Is Found
If Dr. Wilson identifies a suspicious area, she will discuss her findings with you and may recommend a biopsy or referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Finding and addressing abnormal tissue early is the most important factor in successful treatment outcomes.
An oral cancer screening takes just a few minutes and is included in your regular dental exam at no additional cost. If it has been a while since your last checkup, or if you have noticed any unusual changes in your mouth, call 719-846-7387 or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Trinidad, Walsenburg, Raton, and across Southern Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
Dr. Wilson performs a visual and tactile examination of your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of your mouth, throat, and gums. She looks and feels for unusual lumps, sores, patches, or changes in tissue color or texture that could indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions.
We perform an oral cancer screening during every routine dental exam. For patients with higher risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV, or a history of oral cancer, more frequent or more detailed screenings may be recommended.
Warning signs include sores that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth, unexplained lumps or thickening of tissue, persistent sore throat or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and numbness in the mouth or lips.
Yes. When detected early, oral cancer has a high survival rate. That is why regular screenings are so important. Early-stage oral cancer is often treatable with surgery alone, while advanced cases may require radiation or chemotherapy in addition to surgery.
Schedule Your Next Checkup
Every exam includes an oral cancer screening. Protect your health with regular dental visits.