Visit Us
8700 Menchaca Rd STE 102, Austin, TX 78748
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
Visit Us
8700 Menchaca Rd STE 102, Austin, TX 78748
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
Early detection is your greatest defense against oral cancer. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings in South Austin that can identify suspicious lesions before they develop into life-threatening conditions. Our professional screening process takes just minutes during your regular dental visit but could potentially save your life through early detection.
Dr. Dimple Sharma, DDS, and the team at Grand Oaks Dentistry are committed to protecting your overall health through preventative dental care. With over a decade of experience and utilizing the latest technology, our South Austin practice provides thorough oral cancer assessments as part of your comprehensive dental healthcare in our state-of-the-art office.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, with early detection being crucial for survival. This disease can develop in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. When caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer patients increases dramatically compared to those diagnosed in later stages.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco—significantly raises your risk level. Regular alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use, creates an even greater risk. In recent years, HPV-related oral cancers have increased, highlighting the importance of regular screenings even for those without traditional risk factors.
Recognizing potential warning signs of oral cancer between your regular dental visits is important. Persistent sores or irritations in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks warrant professional attention. Other concerning symptoms include red or white patches in the mouth, pain or difficulty when swallowing, loose teeth without an apparent dental cause, and unusual lumps or thickening of tissues in the mouth or neck.
A persistent sore throat or feeling like something is caught in your throat might also indicate a problem requiring examination. Changes in your voice or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue could be early indicators you shouldn’t dismiss. If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling an oral cancer screening at Grand Oaks Dentistry could be a potentially life-saving decision.
When you visit our South Austin office for an oral cancer screening, we conduct a thorough visual and tactile examination of your entire oral cavity. This comprehensive head and neck examination involves inspecting all surfaces of your lips, gums, cheeks, palate, tongue, floor of the mouth, and the back of your throat. The screening process is completely painless and typically takes only a few minutes during your regular dental visit.
We carefully examine your mouth for any abnormal tissue changes or suspicious lesions that might indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions. Beyond visual inspection, we’ll gently feel your jaw, neck, and the lymph nodes surrounding these areas to detect any unusual lumps or masses that could signal concerns requiring further investigation.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we enhance our oral cancer detection capabilities with advanced technology. Digital imaging technology allows for precise documentation of any concerning areas, while specialized lighting systems help identify abnormalities that might not be visible to the naked eye.
For more comprehensive screening, we may utilize VELscope technology—a specialized light that causes abnormal tissues to appear distinctly different from healthy tissues. This technology helps dental professionals detect potentially problematic areas earlier than traditional visual examinations alone, increasing the chances of successful treatment through earlier intervention.
Annual oral cancer check-ups should be part of your regular dental care routine. For adults with no apparent risk factors, an annual screening during your regular dental examination provides sufficient monitoring. However, patients with identified risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Regular screening is critical because early-stage oral cancer rarely causes pain or obvious symptoms that might prompt you to seek evaluation. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the disease may have progressed to a more advanced stage. This underscores why professional assessment during routine dental visits is crucial—it can identify concerns before you’re aware of any problem.
If we identify any suspicious areas during your screening, we’ll discuss the findings with you immediately. Depending on the nature of the abnormality, we might recommend monitoring the area over a short period or refer you to specialists for further evaluation. In some cases, a tissue biopsy procedure may be necessary to determine whether abnormal cells are present
It’s important to understand a referral for additional testing doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer. Many abnormalities turn out to be benign, but thorough investigation ensures nothing concerning goes unaddressed. Our team will guide you through any next steps with clear communication and support.
Protecting your health starts with prevention. Regular oral cancer screenings at Grand Oaks Dentistry provide peace of mind while potentially saving your life through early detection. Our South Austin practice makes these essential screenings convenient by incorporating them into your routine dental visits, ensuring comprehensive care without additional appointments.
Contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (512) 291-1666 or complete our contact form to schedule your comprehensive dental examination, including an oral cancer screening. Our experienced, compassionate team provides the highest standard of care in a comfortable environment, using modern technology to protect both your dental health and your overall well-being. Your health deserves nothing less than the thorough, patient-centered approach we provide at our South Austin practice.
