Oral cancer is one of the most serious—and most overlooked—conditions affecting the mouth and throat. Over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and unfortunately, more than 7,000 lives are lost annually to this disease. One of the main reasons oral cancers are so dangerous is that they often progress silently in the early stages, showing few symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. That is why early detection is critical—and why a professional oral cancer screening could be life-saving.
At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our board-certified periodontists are trained to detect the earliest signs of oral cancer. These exams are quick, painless, and could make all the difference in your long-term health.
The most commonly occurring oral cancer is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically begins on the lips or tongue. However, oral cancer can also develop in the:
Unfortunately, many early symptoms go unnoticed without a professional evaluation, especially in areas that are hard to examine on your own.
An oral cancer screening is a thorough visual and tactile exam that checks for any abnormal tissue or suspicious changes. The process is quick, comfortable, and typically done during your routine dental or periodontal visit.
During your screening, your periodontist will:
Schedule an AppointmentThis exam is completely painless, and we often use enhanced lighting, magnification, and intraoral cameras to closely examine all areas.
OralID® uses a proven, optically based technology called “fluorescence technology.” OralID’s fluorescence technology uses a blue light (435–460 nm) that helps clinicians identify oral mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer and pre-cancer. The other medical applications of fluorescence technology include highlighting abnormalities of the GI tract, cervix, lung, and skin.
Our periodontists use this oral cancer screening device, in an effort to identify oral cancers in their earliest stages. Currently, up to 70% of oral cancers are found in late stages (stage III, IV), resulting in a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. OralID has the ability to “highlight” these abnormalities in much earlier stages, before abnormalities are visible to the naked eye, in turn increasing the 5-year survival rate up to 80-90%.
Schedule an AppointmentIf we discover any tissue that looks suspicious, we will promptly discuss findings and recommended next steps with you. This may include:
Schedule an AppointmentA biopsy may be performed, in which a small tissue sample is sent for analysis by an oral pathologist.
Referral to a specialist, such as an oral maxillofacial surgeon, ENT surgeon, or oncologist, for advanced treatment if cancer is confirmed
Monitoring the area if it does not appear immediately dangerous, but still requires follow-up. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. If additional steps are needed, we will guide you through every part of the process.
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase your risk.
It is important to know, though, that 1 in 4 people diagnosed with oral cancer have no known risk factors at all. That is why annual screenings are recommended for all adults, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
Periodontists are specialists in the soft tissues of the mouth and gums, and our training allows us to detect subtle changes that may go unnoticed during a basic dental exam. Because oral cancer often affects the tongue, gums, and floor of the mouth, your periodontist is uniquely equipped to catch these signs early.
Schedule an Appointment
We now offer enhanced oral cancer screenings at Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Whether you have specific concerns or simply want peace of mind, this simple exam is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Early detection saves lives, and we are here to help you take that first step.
Call us at (214) 522-9700 or request your appointment online today.
Park Cities Periodontics And Implant Dentistry
Phone: (214) 522-9700
Fax: (214) 522-8181
Address: Preston Commons, East Tower