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Oral Cancer

Overview

Introducing Jane Wilson Dentistry: A significant fact to remember is that oral cancer ranks as the 13th most frequently diagnosed form of cancer, according to information from the Dental Association. It has the potential to arise in various regions within the mouth, both internal and external, encompassing the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor, and roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. This underscores the critical importance of regular checkups. By adhering to routine checkups, our skilled dental professionals can conduct a comprehensive examination of your oral cavity to detect any initial indications of its development. While oral cancer remains a valid concern, it’s essential to acknowledge its rarity. Unless you actively utilize tobacco products or possess a genetic predisposition linked to its occurrence, the likelihood of encountering oral cancer in your lifetime is exceedingly minimal. Nevertheless, it’s a prudent approach to address any apprehensions during your upcoming visit to our office, where an oral cancer screening is an integral part of the routine assessment. At Jane Wilson Dentistry, we empower our patients with awareness about the significance of promptly consulting their medical practitioners for any visible abnormalities, lesions, or swellings identified during the screening process.

The initial phase in conducting an oral cancer screening involves a thorough examination of your dental and medical history. This includes:

  • An overview of your general health history, inclusive of a catalog of current medications and allergies.
  • Assessment of oral habits and lifestyle choices, encompassing details regarding the extent, frequency, and duration of tobacco consumption and alcohol usage.
  • Identification of any indications of oral discomfort or pain.

Should any aspects raise concerns, we may proceed with an extraoral and intraoral assessment, wherein we:

  • Carefully inspect your head and neck for signs of asymmetry, tenderness, or swelling.
  • Employ palpation to examine lymph nodes in the submandibular, neck, and supraclavicular regions, paying specific attention to factors like size, quantity, tenderness, and mobility.
  • Scrutinize and palpate the lips and perioral tissues for any irregularities.
  • Meticulously examine and palpate all soft oral tissues systematically, focusing closely on sites considered high-risk for potential oral cancer development. These include the lateral and ventral sections of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the intricate soft palate complex.

Choose Smiles On Kipling Family Dentistry for a comprehensive approach to your oral health, where your well-being is our utmost priority.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

At Smiles On Kipling Family Dentistry, we want to emphasize the significance of recognizing that although these indications might stem from less severe oral health concerns, they warrant an evaluation at your upcoming routine appointment. Among the prevalent signs are red or white marks or ulcers situated anywhere within your oral cavity, a lesion that exhibits a tendency to bleed excessively or resists healing, a protuberance, densening, or uneven area, discomfort, sensitivity, or a lack of sensation in any mouth or lip region, and difficulties encompassing chewing, swallowing, articulation, or the mobility of your jaw or tongue. Numerous other symptoms warrant vigilance, making it prudent to reach out and schedule an appointment with us if you encounter or notice any disconcerting changes.

Diagnosis

At Smiles On Kipling Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings that encompass a thorough assessment of your entire oral cavity, extending beyond just your teeth. This meticulous examination plays a crucial role in identifying both cancerous and pre-cancerous states. In addition to a meticulous visual and tactile inspection of your mouth, our skilled dentist may employ advanced tools such as a VELscope, an instrument that aids in the detection of oral mucosal irregularities that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

Treatment

At Smiles On Kipling Family Dentistry, when oral cancer is identified in its initial phases, the usual course of action involves surgical intervention or radiation therapy. For more progressed instances, a combined approach of surgery and radiation is commonly employed as the primary treatment method. During the advanced stages, the standard protocol entails a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, sometimes including surgery, as deemed appropriate.

Prevention

At Smiles On Kipling Family Dentistry, we emphasize that safeguarding yourself against oral cancer begins with personal commitment. Refrain from using any tobacco products, consume alcohol in moderation, adopt a well-balanced diet, and minimize sun exposure (which holds greater significance than relying solely on sunblock, as its effectiveness depends on proper application, whereas reducing exposure remains consistently beneficial).

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Procedure and Process Treatment

Explore our meticulous procedure and treatment process, ensuring comprehensive care and exceptional outcomes for your dental needs.

1. Consultations

Schedule expert consultations for personalized dental advice and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

2. Check Up

Comprehensive check-ups for a thorough assessment of your oral health, ensuring a confident and healthy smile.

3. Treatments

Discover effective treatments for lasting solutions, delivering the smile you desire and deserve with confidence.

4. Recovery

Experience smooth recovery with our attentive care, ensuring your dental health rebounds swiftly and comfortably.