Oral Cancer Screening

Even though we can certainly address issues with your teeth and gums, a visit to our office in Colorado Springs also gives us an opportunity to provide you with an oral cancer screening. The sooner potential issues are detected, the faster they can be addressed, and that is just one of the many ways that we put your needs first.

The Pine Creek Dental experience means giving you the comprehensive oral care you deserve, and that includes an oral cancer screening. As our valued patient, you’ll get regular screening services from Dr. Thompson during every visit.

If we spot any potential concerns, we will address them with you. Learn more about our compassionate approach, and give us a call to schedule an appointment. 

Why Early Oral Cancer Screening Matters

You might not notice any symptoms, but an oral cancer screening gives us an opportunity to identify and address issues before they spread. Even if you don’t feel like anything is wrong, we want to prevent future issues from happening. 

By detecting lesions at the initial stage of growth, we can provide immediate treatment before it turns cancerous. This can help you save time, money, and emotional energy.

While you may have a difficult time seeing certain parts of your mouth, we have the training and experience necessary to detect any issues. So, sit back, relax, and let us provide you with a comprehensive oral screening. 

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

A few common signs of oral cancer include:

• Loose teeth
• Discolored lumps or bumps 
• Pain while chewing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sores that do not heal
• Lump in your mouth
• Thickening of oral tissues
• Weight loss

Remember that not everyone will experience all of the symptoms above. You may not experience any symptoms at all during the early stages of oral cancer. That’s why it’s important to receive a regularly scheduled oral cancer screening. 

What You Should Expect During the Screening

The oral cancer screening process usually occurs at the end of your dental exam. This relatively quick check only takes a few minutes to complete. You do not need to prepare for the exam in any way.

During the screening, Dr. Thompson will visually check the tissues in your mouth for white patches, sores, and other issues. He will gently feel for any lumps in your mouth and around your neck.  

If anything is discovered during your screening, additional tests may be required to investigate further. A screening dye or light will be used to look for subtle signs of any other issues to ensure not to miss any abnormal tissues.

Let us know if you have any family history of oral cancer or a personal history of cancer of any type. This is important for customizing your care plan to meet your needs.

At Pine Creek Dental, we always put your needs first, and that is why we provide you with a thorough oral cancer screening. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (719) 268-9400. We are always here to answer your questions.