Oral Cancer Screenings in Orlando, FL

An oral cancer screening is a preventive examination performed by dental professionals to identify signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During this painless procedure at Esteem Dental, our Orlando-based professionals thoroughly examine your entire oral cavity, including your lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining, and the floor and roof of your mouth. We also conduct a careful assessment of your head and neck area to check for any abnormalities.

Your screening at one of our two dental offices takes approximately 5-10 minutes and involves both visual and tactile examination. Our dentists look for visible signs such as red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, unusual lumps, or other tissue changes. This thorough approach ensures we can identify potential concerns early, significantly improving treatment outcomes if any issues are found.

Advanced Screening Technology

At Esteem Dental, we enhance our oral cancer detection capabilities with specialized technology like VELscope. This innovative system uses a special blue light that causes abnormal tissues to appear different from healthy tissues, helping our dentists identify concerns that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The VELscope examination is completely painless and takes just a few minutes to perform. This additional layer of screening provides more comprehensive results than visual examination alone, giving our patients in Orlando greater confidence in their oral health assessment.

Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases survival rates and treatment success. When caught in its early stages, oral cancer has an approximately 80-90% survival rate. However, most cases are unfortunately discovered in later stages when treatment becomes more complex and less effective.

Regular screenings at Esteem Dental allow our Orlando team to detect potential issues before symptoms become noticeable to you. This proactive approach to oral health can literally save lives. Our dental team recommends annual screenings for most patients, with more frequent examinations for those with higher risk factors.

Understanding Your Risk Factors

Certain lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco—significantly raises your risk. Similarly, heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use, creates a synergistic effect that further increases cancer risk.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strain 16, has been linked to a rising number of oral cancer cases, especially among non-smokers. Other factors include excessive sun exposure to your lips, a family history of cancer, and poor nutrition. At Esteem Dental, we consider your individual risk profile when determining screening frequency and protocols.

What to Expect During Your Screening

Your oral cancer screening, conducted at one of our two Orlando dental offices, is integrated into your routine dental examination. There’s no need for special preparation, and the process is quick and comfortable. Dr. Jones or another member of our experienced dental team will perform the screening as part of your comprehensive oral health assessment.

The screening begins with a visual examination of all surfaces inside your mouth, looking for abnormalities such as patches, discolorations, or unusual textures. Your dentist will then gently feel the tissues of your mouth, face, and neck to detect any unusual lumps or nodules. If enhanced screening technology is used, this typically adds just a few extra minutes to your appointment.

If Something Suspicious Is Found

Should our dental team identify anything concerning during your screening, we’ll document the area digitally and discuss the appropriate next steps. In many cases, we’ll recommend monitoring the area over a short period to see if it resolves on its own, as many oral abnormalities are benign and temporary.

If the area warrants further investigation, we may perform a brush biopsy or refer you to a specialist for a more definitive tissue biopsy. At Esteem Dental, we maintain relationships with trusted specialists throughout Orlando to ensure seamless care if referrals are needed. Our team provides support throughout the entire process, from initial screening to diagnosis and any necessary treatment planning.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

Your oral health is a vital component of your overall well-being, and preventative screenings play a crucial role in maintaining that health. At Esteem Dental, we’re committed to providing Orlando residents with comprehensive oral cancer screenings in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment. Our multidisciplinary team approach ensures you receive thorough care tailored to your individual needs.

Don’t wait until symptoms appear to check for oral cancer. Early detection saves lives, and our painless screening process provides invaluable peace of mind. Contact Esteem Dental today at (407) 476-5650 or complete our contact form to schedule your comprehensive oral cancer screening at our Lake Nona or Winter Garden office, where our experienced team is ready to provide the exceptional dental care you deserve.

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Orlando General Dentistry