Early detection saves lives, and an oral cancer screening is one of the most important preventive measures you can take for your overall health. Many people feel uncertain about what happens during this quick examination, but understanding the process can ease any concerns and highlight why this screening is such a vital part of your dental care routine.
At Virgin River Dental in St. George, Dr. Brett Davis and his team prioritize comprehensive preventive care that includes thorough oral cancer screenings during routine visits. As the voted Best Cosmetic Dentist of Southern Utah for the past five years, our practice combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to ensure your peace of mind during every appointment.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
The statistics underscore the importance of regular screenings. According to the National Cancer Institute‘s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, approximately 59,660 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer are expected in 2025, with rates increasing an average of 1.0% each year since 2013. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for localized oral cancer reaches 88.4%, making early detection through routine screenings absolutely critical for positive outcomes.
Regular exams and cleanings provide the perfect opportunity for oral cancer screenings. Most people don't realize that their dentist is often the first healthcare professional to identify potential warning signs, which is why attending your routine appointments every six months is so important.
The Visual and Physical Examination
What Your Dentist Looks For
During your oral cancer screening, Dr. Davis will conduct both a visual inspection and a physical examination of your mouth and surrounding areas. The visual portion involves examining the inside of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat. Your dentist looks for any abnormalities such as red or white patches, sores, lumps, or areas of thickened tissue.
The Hands-On Assessment
The physical examination involves gently feeling the tissues in your mouth and your jaw to check for lumps or irregular textures. Dr. Davis will also check your neck, under your chin, and around your jaw for any swelling or abnormal masses in the lymph nodes. This entire process typically takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.
What Happens If Something Is Found
If your dentist identifies an area of concern during your screening, there's no need to panic. Many suspicious areas turn out to be benign, such as canker sores, infections, or irritation from dental work. However, if something warrants further investigation, Dr. Davis may recommend one of the following approaches:
Additional evaluation: a follow-up appointment in two to three weeks to see if the area resolves on its own, since many mouth sores heal naturally within this timeframe
Biopsy referral: sending you to an oral surgeon or specialist who can perform a tissue biopsy to determine if the cells are cancerous
Immediate treatment: addressing obvious issues like sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures that may be causing irritation
The key is that early detection through routine screenings provides more treatment options and better outcomes. If you notice any persistent sores, lumps, or changes in your mouth between dental visits, don't wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact our office for an evaluation, as we offer same-day appointments for urgent concerns through our emergency dentistry services.
How to Prepare for Your Screening
One of the best aspects of oral cancer screenings is that they require virtually no preparation. Simply maintain your regular oral hygiene routine before your appointment. However, there are a few things that can help your dentist conduct the most thorough examination possible. Avoid wearing heavy lipstick or lip gloss, as this can make it harder to see your lips clearly. If you wear dentures, bring them with you even though you'll remove them during the screening, as your dentist will want to check how they fit. Most importantly, be prepared to share any concerns about unusual symptoms you've noticed, such as persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, or numbness in your mouth.
Schedule Your Screening at Virgin River Dental
Your oral health is directly connected to your overall wellbeing, and regular oral cancer screenings are a simple yet powerful way to protect both. At Virgin River Dental, we make preventive care accessible and affordable through our comprehensive dental membership plans, which include two doctor exams per year and full mouth X-rays. Our all-digital office utilizes modern technology, including a 3D panoramic X-ray machine, to provide you with the most thorough and efficient care possible.
Dr. Davis and our caring team are committed to providing family-friendly dental care that puts your health first. We cater to patients of all ages in a comfortable environment with TVs in every treatment room and kids' activities to make visits enjoyable for the whole family. To learn more about our practice and services or to schedule your next preventive care appointment that includes an oral cancer screening, please contact our office today.
