Oral Cancer Screening in NYC

Protecting your oral health means more than brushing, flossing, and attending regular cleanings. It also includes taking preventative measures. One such measure is to complete an oral cancer screening in NYC. At 209 NYC Dental, we prioritize early detection as a cornerstone of our preventative care services.

Our highly trained dentists combine decades of experience with advanced diagnostic tools to detect even the earliest signs of potential oral abnormalities that may signal cancer. By providing fast and minimally invasive evaluations, our oral cancer screening dentistry center empowers patients to take control of their overall wellness in a convenient setting.

Oral Cancer Screenings

We understand that attending an oral cancer screening causes anxiety for some patients. That’s why we offer a calm and judgment-free atmosphere where our dental professionals listen to your concerns and thoroughly explain every step of your exam. With over 130 years of experience in providing top-tier dental care in New York City, 209 NYC Dental remains a trusted name for comprehensive oral cancer screenings.

Being screened for oral cancer is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. The dentists at 209 NYC Dental utilize advanced oral cancer screening methods in their Midtown East Manhattan practice, ensuring that their New York City patients can have confidence in the accuracy of the findings.

Having a regular oral cancer screening in NYC is one of the reasons why it is crucial to visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup. Being screened twice a year is the best way to ensure oral cancer is caught in its early stages when it is most treatable.

What Kinds of Symptoms Does Oral Cancer Cause?

Oral cancer can cause an array of symptoms, many of which can be easily missed or confused with other issues, like canker sores. The most common symptoms include:

• Red, white, or blotchy patches in your mouth
• Lumps or rough-textured spots on the soft tissues of the mouth
• Numbness or bleeding in the mouth, face, or neck
• Mouth sores that take more than two weeks to heal
• A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Pain when swallowing
• Changes in your occlusion, the way your teeth meet when you close your mouth
• Persistent earaches
• Chronic bad breath

Particular lifestyle and genetic factors may heighten your risk of developing oral cancer. These risk factors include:

• Alcohol use
• Tobacco use
• Prolonged sun exposure
• HPV infections
• A family history of cancer

Receiving an oral cancer screening in New York City can help you understand your risk of developing oral cancer. It also allows a dentist to tailor your screening process and educate you on steps to reduce your overall risk of developing oral health issues.

What Techniques Are Used To Diagnose Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer screenings are used to detect oral cancer. Your oral cancer screening in NYC begins with a careful visual examination of the soft tissues of your mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, and palate, to look for changes in color or texture as well as other signs. When a suspicious area is identified, a small sample of cells (biopsy) may be taken for further examination under a microscope. Oral biopsies are typically performed using a special brush to remove the top layer.

Oral biopsies are typically performed using a special brush to remove the top layer of cells. When a larger sample is needed, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area before the tissue is removed and sent to a lab. Your neck will also be gently palpated for signs of swelling. In addition to traditional examination techniques, 209 NYC Dental may use adjunctive technologies during oral exams to help highlight any areas with abnormal tissue.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Oral Cancer?

The most important things you can do aside from completing regular oral cancer screenings in NYC are to stop smoking, stop using smokeless tobacco (or chewing tobacco), and avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.