We Now Offer Enhanced Oral Cancer Screenings
Our dentist takes a stand against oral cancer using OralID™ Fluorescence Technology
Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry joined forces with Forward Science, the manufacturer of OralID™, and became a member of the ID For Life™ Program to promote early detection and public awareness of oral cancer in the office.
Our dentist will be offering enhanced oral cancer screenings during scheduled appointments to new and current patients.
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and the back of the throat, but with regular screenings, we can catch it early when it’s most treatable.
Dr. Silverman uses an oral cancer screening device, OralID, in efforts to discover oral cancers in their earliest stages.
Currently, up to 70% of oral cancers are found in late stages (stage III, IV), resulting in a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. OralID has the ability to “highlight” these abnormalities in much earlier stages, before it is actually visible to your dental professional, in turn increasing the 5-year survival rate up to 80-90%.
Dr. Silverman has recognized the benefit of the Fluorescence Technology that OralID provides in efforts to discover oral cancer in its early stages and potentially save lives.
Those interested in receiving an oral cancer screening at Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, or to learn more about our advanced screening, contact our office at 678.389.9000.
Oral cancer screenings…get yours today!
About Forward Science
Forward Science is a privately held biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas. OralID, Forward Science’s flagship product, is an award winning oral cancer screening device that allows clinicians to discover abnormalities that may not be seen under traditional white light examinations.
Forward Science quickly expanded its product portfolio in efforts to provide clinicians with a complete program to battle the rising trends of oral cancer. With the launch of the ID For Life™ Program, Forward Science has evolved into the industry leader for oral oncology. The ID For Life™ Program includes the following in an effort to change the trends for oral cancer: screening device (OralID), diagnostic tests (CytID, PathID, hpvID, phID), and treatment options (SalivaMAX).
To learn more about OralID, or any of Forward Science’s products, please visit www.ForwardScience.com or call 855-696-7254.
What is an oral cancer exam or an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a simple, quick examination performed by our dentist to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.
During your routine dental check-up, we thoroughly examine your mouth for any unusual spots, sores, or other abnormalities that could signal the presence of oral cancer.
Oral cancer can include any mouth diseases such as:
- Head and neck cancers
- Cancer of the larynx
- Oral malignant melanoma
- Gum disease
- Periodontal disease
- Oral cancers in the front portion of the mouth (including the tongue, cheek, jaw, gums)
- Oropharyngeal cancer (including the base of the tongue, tonsils, and the soft palate)
Early detection is crucial because the earlier oral cancer is found, the higher the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer
The most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches (referred to as leukoplakia or erythroplakia) on the tongue, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing (referred to as dysphagia)
- Difficulty chewing
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth, throat, or neck area
- Changes in voice quality, such as persistent hoarseness or a raspy voice
- Ear pain without any other known cause
- Numbness, pain, or discomfort in the mouth, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Changes in the fit of dentures or oral appliances
It’s important to note that while these symptoms can be indicative of oral cancer, they can also be caused by other conditions. However, if any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or worsen over time, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for oral cancer.
Oral cancer screening benefits
Oral cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are so important. You may not experience pain, discomfort, or other signs until the cancer has advanced.
By having a regular screening as part of your routine dental visits, you give yourself the best chance for early detection.
- Early Detection Saves Lives: When oral cancer is found early, it can often be treated more successfully, with a better prognosis and a higher survival rate.
- Preventive Care: Regular screenings help prevent cancer from spreading and provide peace of mind that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your health.
Who should get an oral cancer exam?
Everyone can benefit from oral cancer screenings! That’s why we are passionate about performing this screening when you come in for your six-month checkup appointments. We want to make sure your mouth is free from all types of oral cancers.
While oral cancer is more common in adults over the age of 40, younger individuals are not immune. Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Sun exposure (particularly for lip cancer)
- HPV infection (human papillomavirus)
- A family history of cancer
Even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, regular screenings are still important, as anyone can develop oral cancer.
How are oral cancer screenings performed?
The screening is easily and quickly performed. It does not hurt either. To detect oral cancers, Dr. Silverman will check your gums, cheeks, face, glands, and tongue for any abnormalities, such as lesions or unusual bumps.
An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and non-invasive. During your dental check-up, we’ll:
- Examine your mouth: We’ll carefully look at your lips, gums, tongue, roof and floor of your mouth, and throat for any signs of irregularities such as lumps, swelling, or sores.
- Feel for abnormalities: We may gently palpate the tissues inside your mouth and neck to check for any unusual growths or tender areas.
- Use advanced technology: In some cases, we may use tools such as VELscope, an advanced light-based technology that helps detect early signs of oral cancer that might not be visible to the naked eye.
If our dentist sees any issues relating to mouth cancer, we may request a biopsy, and then will determine the best course of action for your health. We will discuss treatment options available to you, whether it is surgery or another less invasive procedure.
Rest assured, we are trained and experienced to examine the results, and pinpoint any problems we may see.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
- How often should I get an oral cancer screening? Oral cancer screenings should be performed during each regular dental check-up, typically once or twice a year, depending on your risk factors and overall oral health.
- Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance? Most dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings as part of your regular check-up. We recommend checking with your dental insurance provider to confirm the details of your coverage.
- What happens if something abnormal is found during my screening? If we notice any suspicious areas during your screening, we may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist, to determine whether it is cancerous or benign. If diagnosed early, oral cancer is much easier to treat.
- Is the screening painful? No, the oral cancer screening is a painless procedure. It’s similar to a regular dental exam and involves a careful visual and physical examination of your mouth.
Get your oral cancer screening today in Alpharetta!
It does not matter whether or not you experience symptoms of oral cancer. It is always best to take the preventive measure and schedule your screening today. You don’t necessarily have to experience symptoms in order to get screened– instead, be on the safe side and catch any issues before they turn into big problems for your overall health.
At our practice in Alpharetta, GA, we care about your health and want to help you keep your smile healthy for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and add an oral cancer screening to your routine care. Let’s work together to keep your smile—and your health—in the best possible shape!
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