Ponce Dental offers comprehensive dental care in one place—from cosmetic and restorative treatments to orthodontics and implants—delivering healthier, brighter smiles for every patient.
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless examinations that can save your life. During a routine preventative dental care appointment, your dentist checks for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth, throat, tongue, and surrounding tissues. Early detection makes treatment far more successful, and these screenings take only a few minutes during your regular checkup.
At Ponce Dental Studio in Buckhead, we believe in Dentistry Done Different. Our team combines AI-driven technology with thorough visual examinations to detect oral abnormalities early. With our in-house lab and advanced diagnostic tools, we provide comprehensive screenings that give Georgia patients peace of mind and the best chance for positive outcomes.
Oral cancer screenings involve a visual and physical examination of your entire mouth and throat area. Your dentist looks for unusual lesions, red or white patches, lumps, or other changes in tissue appearance. The process includes checking your lips, gums, tongue (including the underside), the roof and floor of your mouth, the inner cheeks, and the throat.
During the screening, your dentist may also examine your neck and jaw area for unusual masses or swollen lymph nodes. At Ponce Dental Studio, we use specialized lighting and advanced imaging technology to identify areas that might need further evaluation. The entire screening typically takes five to ten minutes and causes no discomfort.
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Everyone should receive oral cancer screenings during their regular dental exams, but certain people face higher risks. Cancer and cancer treatments can cause gingivitis and dry mouth, making regular screenings even more important for cancer survivors. If any of the following apply to you, talk to your dentist about more frequent screenings:
Age also plays a role, as oral cancer rates increase significantly after age 40. However, HPV-related oral cancers increasingly affect younger adults, making screenings important for all age groups.
Oral cancer screenings focus on identifying abnormal tissue changes that could indicate cancer or precancerous conditions. Leukoplakia are thick, whitish-color patches that form on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue. These patches are caused by excess cell growth and are common among tobacco users. Sometimes, leukoplakia is associated with oral cancer.
Red patches called erythroplakia also warrant attention, as these areas may indicate more serious changes. Your dentist will note any sores that haven’t healed within two weeks, unexplained bleeding, numbness, or difficulty swallowing. Lumps, rough spots, or changes in how your teeth fit together may also signal problems requiring further investigation.
Finding an abnormality during an oral cancer screening doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Many suspicious areas turn out to be benign conditions, infections, or irritations. However, any concerning findings require follow-up to determine the exact nature of the tissue changes.
Your dentist may recommend monitoring the area for a few weeks to see if it resolves on its own. If the abnormality persists, a biopsy may be necessary. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This procedure provides definitive information about whether cancer cells are present.
A large portion of Americans diagnosed with cancer each year develop oral complications from their cancer therapy. This statistic underscores why regular dental care and cancer screenings matter for everyone, particularly those with cancer histories. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming major health crises.
Most people should receive oral cancer screenings during their routine dental checkups every six months. If you have risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of oral cancer, your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings. Some high-risk patients benefit from screening every 3 to 4 months.
Between dental visits, you can perform self-examinations at home. Look for changes in your mouth’s appearance, persistent sores, unexplained bleeding, or lumps. While self-exams don’t replace professional screenings, they help you become familiar with your mouth and catch changes early. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice anything unusual, rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
Oral cancer screenings are a vital component of preventative care that can save your life through early detection. These quick, painless examinations identify abnormalities before they become serious health threats, giving you the best possible treatment outcomes. Combined with regular dental care, cancer screenings help protect your overall health and well-being.
Don’t wait to prioritize your oral health. Contact Ponce Dental Studio in Buckhead at (404) 777-4040 to schedule your comprehensive dental exam with oral cancer screening. Our team provides thorough evaluations using advanced technology in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Visit our contact page to book your appointment at either our Atlanta or Buckhead location, and check out our YouTube channel for helpful videos about maintaining your oral health.
Visit our office in the heart of Virginia Highland, located at 892 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30306. Our modern dental studio is conveniently situated near Ponce City Market, making it easily accessible for patients throughout the Atlanta area.
Address: 892 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite 101, Atlanta GA, 30306
Phone: 404-777-4040
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 4PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
Address: 3189 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta Georgia 30305
Phone: 404-777-4040
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 4PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
Flexible financing available – Transform your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry with payment plans that fit your budget.