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.