Oral Cancer Screening at a Dental Office Saves Lives

Professional dentist in Aurora, IL offers thorough Oral Cancer Screening.

Every year, about 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Regrettably, this aggressive disease exhibits little or no signs at its earliest stages, making oral cancer screening pivotal for successful treatment. At Total Health Dental, Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and the team perform oral cancer checks during routine checkups, reducing the risk of advanced oral cancer.

Why early detection of oral cancer matters

When you think about mouth cancer, you probably think about mouth sores, lumps, sore throats, ulcers, among other symptoms. Unfortunately, mouth cancer can progress to advanced stages without exhibiting significant symptoms. Luckily, with annual oral cancer checkups, our dentist can identify early signs of oral cancer even before signs become visible to the naked eye.

And just like any other cancer, early detection of oral cancer is pivotal for successful treatment. The disease usually hasn’t spread to other parts during the early stages, making treatment successful. Ultimately, patients whose oral cancer is detected early have an 83% survival rate or more.

Symptoms of oral cancer

While we encourage patients to adhere to annual oral cancer screenings diligently, there are symptoms you keep your eyes peeled for as they may be signs of oral cancer. These include:

Red or white patches in your mouth.
Difficulty swallowing.
Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
Mouth ulcers that don’t heal.
Jaw pain or loose teeth.
Unexplained tenderness or odd feeling on the tongue or lip.

While the above signs don’t necessarily point to mouth cancer, it’s pivotal to schedule an appointment with a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis.

What to expect during oral cancer screening

Postponing your cancer screening because you are busy? You have no excuse. This life-saving screening is painless and only takes a few minutes. To start the screening, Dr. Mohsinuddin will request you to remove dentures and other appliances that may be hiding your soft mouth tissues. Through visual and physical checkups, the dentist examines your lips, tongue, gums, neck, throat and other soft tissues to look for any signs of oral cancer. To aid in screening, the dentist may use a VELscope that uses a special light to visualize oral abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye. Should we find any abnormalities, we recommend further testing to confirm or rule out oral cancer.

Healthy smile & Oral Cancer Screening available in Aurora, IL.

Oral cancer screening in Aurora, IL

Have you booked your annual oral cancer screening? If not, it’s never too late. Please dial (630) 822-9600 to book an appointment with Total Health Dental. The screening only takes a few minutes, but it can save your life. For your convenience, we serve residents of Naperville, Oswego, Plainfield, Montgomery and Aurora, Illinois, and surrounding communities.

FAQs

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless examination that helps detect early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions. During the screening, Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin checks your mouth, tongue, gums, and throat for any noticeable signs of unusual tissue changes, such as lumps, red or white patches, or sores that have not healed. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference in catching potential issues early, which is when they are most treatable!

How much does an oral cancer screening cost?

Costs for oral cancer screenings vary depending on the dental practice and location. At Total Health Dental in Aurora, Illinois, our team aims to make screenings accessible for everyone. Many dental insurance plans cover these preventive care services, like oral cancer screenings, so you may end up paying little to nothing out of pocket. If you are unsure about coverage, our friendly team is here to help you understand your available benefits!

Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings as part of their preventive care benefits. These screenings are often included in your routine dental checkups, so that is even more reason to keep up with those appointments! At Total Health Dental, Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and his staff can assist you in confirming your insurance benefits and answering any questions you might have about total costs.

Who should get an oral cancer screening?

Honestly, everyone can benefit from an oral cancer screening, but certain individuals might have a higher risk. If you use tobacco, consume alcohol frequently, have a family history of cancer, or spend lots of time in the sun, you may be at a greater risk and should get screened regularly. That said, even if you are not in a high-risk group, an oral cancer screening is a smart and proactive way to care for your health.

How can I find oral cancer screenings near me?

If you are in Aurora, Illinois, or the surrounding area, you are in luck! Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin offers expert oral cancer screenings at Total Health Dental. Located conveniently for residents, their friendly team will make you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. Give them a call or book online to schedule your screening today!

What happens if something unusual is found during a screening?

First off, do not panic! If Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin notices something unusual during your screening, he discusses the next steps with you. This might involve scheduling further tests, such as a biopsy, or referring you to a specialist for more detailed evaluation. The key is catching potential problems early so they can be addressed promptly and effectively.

Why is Total Health Dental the top choice for oral cancer screenings in Aurora?

Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and the Total Health Dental team are known for their compassionate care, state-of-the-art technology, and dedication to their patients’ well-being. They truly prioritize prevention and education, meaning you are not just a patient, but you are part of their family! Plus, their convenient Aurora, Illinois, location and flexible appointment scheduling make it easy for you to prioritize your oral health and wellness.