Oral Cancer Screening Services in Westbury, NY
Preventing oral cancer is just one of the many reasons to get regular dental exams in Westbury. This simple oral cavity examination could save your life by aiding in the early diagnosis of a fatal illness. As part of our comprehensive general dental services, we offer mouth cancer screenings to support early detection and long-term oral health. Here are further details regarding the oral cancer screening in Westbury, NY, at Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a professional examination of your mouth to look for precancerous abnormalities or indications of cancer. It seeks to identify oral cancer at an early stage when a cure is more likely. Westbury dentists, Drs. Smallberg and Satornino often conduct the screening during routine checkups. Other tests could be performed during the same operation to help identify locations with abnormal cell growth in your mouth.
An oral cancer screening includes a thorough inspection of the entire mouth, including the gums, lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), and inner lining of the cheeks.
Early Indications of Oral Cancer
The following are some possible early indicators of oral cancer:
- Lip or mouth sores that don’t go away
- Red sores or patches inside the mouth
- An unusual bulge or growth
- Having trouble swallowing
- Unsteady Teeth
- Pain in the mouth or ears
Patients at High Risk for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is more common in patients with a family history of the disease. Additionally, if you participate in or have a history of any of the following, you may benefit from an oral health examination:
- Use of tobacco products in any form, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, cigars, and cigarettes.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular exposure to the sun
- Previous diagnosis of oral cancer
Early Detection for Better Oral Health Outcomes
Early identification can greatly enhance treatment outcomes, making oral cancer screening an essential component of maintaining general health. Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, offers oral cancer screening in Westbury, NY, because we genuinely care about your overall health. We provide comprehensive tests to ensure any precancerous signs are identified early.
Do you have any problems with your teeth? Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC can help you regain your healthy, confident smile. Contact us today for personalized dental care to enhance your oral health and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Cancer Screening
Does an oral cancer screening hurt, and how long does it take?
No, an oral cancer screening is painless and takes only a few minutes. The dentist visually inspects your lips, tongue, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth, and gently feels for any unusual lumps or areas. There are no needles or discomfort involved, and it’s usually done as part of your regular checkup. Learn what a routine visit includes on our dental cleanings page.
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Most adults should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, and it’s easy to fit into your regular six-month checkups at no extra visit. People at higher risk, such as tobacco or heavy alcohol users, may benefit from more frequent screening, which your dentist can advise. Keeping up with routine visits keeps screening on schedule. Book a checkup on our dental cleanings page.
Do I need an oral cancer screening if I don't smoke or drink?
Yes. While tobacco and heavy alcohol use raise the risk, a meaningful share of oral cancers occur in people with no traditional risk factors, partly because of HPV. Screening is quick, painless, and included in routine checkups, so there’s no reason to skip it. Early detection helps everyone, regardless of lifestyle. See how screening fits into overall care on our general dentistry page.
What happens if the dentist finds something abnormal during my screening?
An abnormal finding doesn’t mean cancer, most turn out to be harmless. The dentist will usually note the area and re-examine it in a couple of weeks to see if it resolves on its own. If it persists, they may refer you to a specialist for a closer look or a biopsy to be certain. This careful, step-by-step approach is exactly why early screening matters. Reach the office through our contact page.
Can HPV cause oral cancer?
Yes. Certain strains of HPV (human papillomavirus) are a leading cause of cancers in the back of the mouth and throat, and HPV-related cases have been rising, often in younger, non-smoking adults. This is one reason screening matters for everyone, not just tobacco or alcohol users. A quick screening helps catch changes early. Learn how it fits into routine care on our general dentistry page.
What can I do to lower my risk of oral cancer?
The biggest steps are avoiding tobacco in every form and limiting alcohol, since together they account for most cases. Protect your lips from excess sun, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Just as important, keep regular dental visits so any changes are caught early. Stay on schedule with checkups via our dental cleanings page.
Is an oral cancer screening the same as a regular dental checkup?
Not exactly, the screening is one specific part of a broader checkup. During a routine visit your dentist also cleans your teeth, checks for cavities and gum disease, and reviews X-rays as needed, while the oral cancer screening focuses on inspecting the soft tissues of your mouth for early warning signs. They’re done together for convenience. See everything a visit covers on our general dentistry page.
At what age should I start getting oral cancer screenings?
Most dentists include oral cancer screening as a routine part of adult checkups, generally starting in the late teens or early twenties and continuing throughout life. Because risk rises with age and with tobacco, alcohol, or HPV exposure, regular screening becomes increasingly valuable over time. Your dentist screens automatically at your visits, so there’s nothing extra to request. Learn more on our general dentistry page.
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in Westbury, NY?
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC provides oral cancer screening in Westbury, NY, as part of comprehensive dental exams, with new patients welcome. You can reach the office at 330 Winthrop St, #1, Westbury, NY 11590, or call (516) 518-9835 to schedule. Request a visit through our contact page or get directions on our location page.
