Oral Cancer Screenings in Watsonville, CA

Are you looking for a dentist who screens for oral cancer? Watsonville Family Dental offers reliable oral cancer screening near you to allow for early detection and diagnosis.

There are several different oral cancers, including cancers of the lip, tongue, soft and hard tissues, cheeks, and throat. These can become life-threatening if not treated early.

Oral Cancer Screenings During Routine Dental Exams

Everyone knows that it’s important to get regular dental checkups. But not everyone is aware that a dental exam is the first line of defense against oral cancer.

Many dentists in Watsonville, CA perform an oral cancer screening during routine checkups. Please be aware that getting an oral cancer screening does not imply that you have oral cancer. Oral cancer screening is a preventive step for timely diagnosis and treatment in case of abnormalities.

Our experts suggest getting regular oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental exam. Those who have a family history may wish to get screened more frequently.

Oral Cancer Screenings at Watsonville Family Dental

The dentist will first ask questions regarding your medical and oral health history, lifestyle choices, and habits like smoking and drinking.

We strongly encourage our esteemed patients to share any concerns or doubts with our dentist near you. Our dentist will then examine the cheeks, face, neck, inside of the lips, the sides and underside of the tongue and back of the throat for lesions, masses, swellings, or unusual sores.

We use the latest, state-of-the-art technology like VELscope® for an accurate diagnosis. VELscope® lamps can detect abnormal tissue that may not be visible to the naked eye.

If the dentist finds any suspicious signs, we may send the tissue for biopsy or refer you to an oral specialist.

Look Out for These Signs

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see your dentist or doctor without delay:

• Reddish or whitish patches on the lips, tongue or gums
• Unexplained numbness or bleeding in the oral cavity
• Lumps, bumps, raised tissue and persistent sores

Our experienced dentists perform thorough oral cancer screenings in Watsonville, CA.