6005 Century Oaks Dr. Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37416
423.344.3884

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings detect early signs of cancer in the mouth and throat. Using advanced techniques, our thorough exams ensure timely intervention, promoting oral health and peace of mind through preventative care for all patients.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, and potentially life-saving part of your routine dental care. At Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, we perform thorough oral cancer screenings during regular dental exams to help detect early signs of oral cancer and other abnormal tissue changes.

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why regular screenings are so important—even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.

 

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and tactile examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and jaw. Your dentist checks for abnormalities such as:

‣ Lumps or thickened tissue

‣ Red or white patches

‣ Sores that do not heal

‣ Unusual swelling or tenderness

‣ Radiographic abnormalities view on digital 3D Cone beam x-rays

 

These screenings help identify changes that may need further evaluation before they become serious.

 

Who Should Have Oral Cancer Screenings?

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for all adults, not just those with known risk factors. However, individuals with the following may be at higher risk:

‣ Tobacco or vaping use

‣ Heavy alcohol consumption

‣ HPV exposure

‣ History of oral cancer

‣ Prolonged sun exposure to the lips

 

Even without risk factors, routine screenings are an important part of preventive dental care.

 

What to Expect During Your Screening

Oral cancer screenings are fast and non-invasive:

‣ Performed during routine dental exams

‣ No pain or discomfort

‣ No needles or anesthesia

‣ Takes only a few minutes

 

If anything unusual is found, we will explain the findings clearly and discuss appropriate next steps.

 

Why Early Detection Matters

Oral cancer can be difficult to detect on your own in its early stages. Regular screenings allow problems to be identified before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are best.

 

Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening in Chattanooga, TN

Protect your health with regular oral cancer screenings in Chattanooga, TN. Contact Harrison Family Dentistry today to schedule your dental exam and screening.

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a preventive exam where your dentist checks for abnormal tissue, sores, or lumps in the mouth and throat.

Is an oral cancer screening painful?

No. The screening is quick, gentle, and completely painless.

How often should I have an oral cancer screening?

Most adults should have an oral cancer screening at every routine dental exam, typically every six months.

Who is at risk for oral cancer?

Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, HPV exposure, sun exposure to the lips, and age, but anyone can develop oral cancer.

What happens if something abnormal is found?

If an area of concern is detected, we will explain the findings and may recommend monitoring, additional testing, or referral for further evaluation.

Can oral cancer be detected early?

Yes. Regular screenings greatly increase the chances of detecting oral cancer early, when treatment is most successful.

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Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

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Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.