How often should I undergo an oral cancer screening?

The frequency of oral cancer screenings may vary depending on individual risk factors, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, family history of oral cancer, and exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Generally, it is recommended to have an oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental checkup at least once a year. However, individuals at higher risk may benefit from more frequent screenings.

What happens if an abnormality is found during the screening?

If an abnormality or suspicious lesion is detected during the oral cancer screening, your dentist may recommend further evaluation, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist for additional testing. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of successful treatment.

What are the risk factors for oral cancer?

Common risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking or smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a history of oral cancer or precancerous lesions, a weakened immune system, and infection with HPV. It's essential to discuss your individual risk factors with your dentist to determine the appropriate screening schedule.

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For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (703) 444-5108 or click the button below to contact us online.

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Oral Cancer Screenings in Sterling, VA

Serving Potomac, Ashburn

Oral cancer affects about fifty thousand people in the United States each year, so it’s important to take this precaution for your health and wellbeing. There’s no need to panic on hearing the term “oral cancer screening” from us at WestLake Dental Care. The fact that you’re getting screened isn’t an indication that you have cancer; rather, screening is all about testing healthy individuals and catching any warning signs before they grow into bigger issues. The overwhelming majority of the people we screen are cancer-free and can leave their appointment with peace of mind.

Procedure Details:

What To Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Here at WestLake Dental Care, and most other offices, patients are screened when they come in for their regular exam and cleaning visits. We don’t just examine you to find dental caries, cavities, and cracked or odd-looking teeth. Examining to detect oral cancer is another one of our priorities. In the past, oral cancer screenings were done by sight and touch – dentists would look for abnormal areas and feel for lumps in the mouth. While this method could effectively catch oral cancer in its early stages, technological advances in dentistry have allowed us to perform more in-depth screenings. Today, we use OralID, an oral cancer screening device.

OralID Fluorescence Technology

With oral cancer on the rise, the use of this technology in our office not only allows us to detect the condition earlier than mere visual screening used by many other practices, but it allows us to help patients move into the 80 to 90 percent survival rate because of the early detection. If you want to be proactive in your fight against all types of cancer, you’ll insist on only the best technology for oral cancer screening.

What is OralID?

OralID is a handheld oral examination device that uses an optically-based technology called “fluorescence technology.” The device uses a blue light that helps your dentist at WestLake Dental Care to find oral mucosal abnormalities like oral cancer and pre-cancer. Your dentist will need special eyewear to use with OralID. When the light from the OralID shines in the mouth, healthy tissue will fluoresce green while abnormal tissue will appear dark, alerting your dentist to a potential problem. Further testing, including a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the presence of oral cancer to get it treated.

What Are You Looking For During an Oral Cancer Screening?

While looking and feeling inside your oral cavity, we’re not searching blindly for mysterious cancer signs. The things we look for include masses (which may present as lumps), ulcers, and red or white patches. These patches are also known as erythroplakia and leukoplakia. When these patches are present, they’re commonly pre-cancerous. It’s always better to catch them as early as possible.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Appointment at Our Sterling, VA Office

At WestLake Dental Care, we take your oral health seriously and want to do everything we can to protect you from cancer. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible care and answer all of your questions. Contact our Sterling, VA office today to schedule your next cleaning and exam – we’ll make sure to include an oral cancer screening as part of the visit!

For more information about oral cancer screenings or to book an appointment, call us at (703) 444-5108 or visit our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings

How often should I undergo an oral cancer screening?

The frequency of oral cancer screenings may vary depending on individual risk factors, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, family history of oral cancer, and exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Generally, it is recommended to have an oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental checkup at least once a year. However, individuals at higher risk may benefit from more frequent screenings.
What happens if an abnormality is found during the screening?

If an abnormality or suspicious lesion is detected during the oral cancer screening, your dentist may recommend further evaluation, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist for additional testing. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of successful treatment.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?

Common risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking or smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a history of oral cancer or precancerous lesions, a weakened immune system, and infection with HPV. It's essential to discuss your individual risk factors with your dentist to determine the appropriate screening schedule.

I've had excellent care for years. Dr. T is great at explaining everything, making it less stressful, and making sure you feel comfortable. Everyone is friendly and service is prompt. I would recommend Westlake Dental Care to anyone.

- Margie W.

Potomac Falls, VA

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