Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of each dental exam visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem.

If a suspicious area in your mouth is detected a simple virtually painless technique called Oral CDx may be performed. It utilizes a sterile plastic brush which allows for a gentle scraping and collection of surface cells that are then sent to a laboratory for computer analysis. The results of this analysis will determine if there is no cause for concern or if a routine biopsy is necessary.

Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist.