Early detection is the key to successfully treating oral cancer, with survival rates dramatically improving when caught in early stages. At JAX Dental Studio in Jacksonville, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings as an essential part of your regular dental checkups, providing peace of mind and potentially life-saving early detection of abnormal cell growth or suspicious lesions in your mouth.
Dr. Charles Poblenz leads our experienced team at JAX Dental Studio, bringing his extensive expertise in preventive dental care to Jacksonville residents. Our dental professionals are specifically trained in oral cancer detection and utilize advanced screening techniques to identify concerning changes in mouth tissue that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become more serious problems.
Oral cancer screenings are painless, non-invasive examinations performed by qualified dentists to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. These screenings involve a thorough visual examination of all oral tissues, including your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat, to look for white or red patches, persistent mouth sores, or other suspicious lesions that may indicate a problem.
At JAX Dental Studio, we incorporate oral cancer screening into every comprehensive dental checkup. This preventive approach allows us to monitor your oral health consistently and identify any concerning changes between visits. The screening process takes only minutes but can make a profound difference in early detection and successful treatment outcomes.
Our Jacksonville dental practice utilizes cutting-edge VELscope oral cancer detection technology to enhance our screening capabilities. This special light technology helps detect abnormalities that might not be visible during a standard visual examination.
The VELscope uses a specialized blue light that causes healthy tissue to naturally fluoresce, while potentially problematic areas appear darker. This allows our dental professionals to identify suspicious areas that warrant closer examination, significantly improving our ability to detect oral cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
Everyone should undergo regular oral cancer screenings as part of their biannual dental visits. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing oral cancer, warranting more frequent screenings:
Tobacco users face significantly higher risks and should prioritize regular screenings. Smokers, whether cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as those who use smokeless tobacco products, have elevated oral cancer risk levels that necessitate vigilant monitoring.
Alcohol consumption, particularly heavy drinking, increases oral cancer risk substantially. The combination of tobacco use and alcohol consumption creates an even greater risk scenario for developing oral cancer.
HPV-related oral cancers have been increasing in recent years, making HPV-related oral cancer screening particularly important even for younger patients who don’t have traditional risk factors.
Between your dental checkups at JAX Dental Studio, it’s important to be aware of potential symptoms of oral cancer. Contact our Jacksonville office promptly if you notice any of these persistent changes:
Unusual white or red patches in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks warrant professional evaluation. These discolorations often appear on the tongue, inside of cheeks, or on the gums.
Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal within a reasonable timeframe should never be ignored. While many mouth sores are harmless, those lasting longer than two weeks require examination.
Difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, or the sensation of something caught in your throat may indicate abnormalities requiring professional assessment. These symptoms, especially when persistent, should prompt a dental visit.
Changes in voice, unexplained numbness or pain in the mouth, loose teeth without apparent cause, or lumps in the neck region are all potential warning signs deserving of professional attention.
Our oral cancer screening procedure at JAX Dental Studio is quick, painless, and performed as part of your comprehensive oral examination. The entire screening typically takes less than five minutes but provides invaluable preventive benefits.
During your screening, we will examine your face, neck, lips, and inside of your mouth for any abnormalities. We’ll check for asymmetry, discoloration, ulcerations, swellings, or other changes that might indicate a problem.
Using gauze, we’ll gently pull your tongue to each side to examine its surface and underside, as well as the floor of your mouth where cancer sometimes develops. The VELscope examination follows, using the specialized light to detect changes not visible to the naked eye.
If our Jacksonville dental team identifies any suspicious areas during your screening, we’ll discuss appropriate next steps. This might include monitoring the area over time, performing a follow-up biopsy if necessary, or referring you to an oral pathology specialist in Northeast Florida for further evaluation.
Remember, most abnormalities detected during screenings are not cancerous. However, prompt evaluation of concerning findings allows for early intervention when needed, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
At JAX Dental Studio, we believe preventive care forms the foundation of excellent oral health. Our comprehensive oral cancer screenings in Jacksonville offer essential early detection capabilities in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Ready to prioritize your oral health with comprehensive care from experienced dental professionals? Contact JAX Dental Studio today at (904) 396-4091 or fill out our contact form to schedule your dental checkup, including oral cancer screening. Our team on Hendricks Avenue is dedicated to delivering compassionate, thorough care that prioritizes both your smile and your overall well-being.
