Oral Cancer Screenings for Early Detection and Peace of Mind
A quick, comfortable exam included with your regular hygiene visit.
An oral cancer screening is a short, noninvasive examination of the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, and neck. It is one of the most valuable — and quietest — parts of a routine visit, because early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
What this treatment involves.
Oral cancers are more common than many patients realize. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV exposure, extensive sun exposure to the lips, a family history of cancer, and simply age. Even patients with none of these risk factors can develop concerning changes, which is why every adult benefits from routine screening.
During your screening, Dr. Allen visually examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat, and gently palpates the neck and jaw for any lumps, swellings, or asymmetries. The entire exam takes only a few minutes and requires no dyes, needles, or special equipment.
Most screenings find nothing worrisome. When something looks unusual, we document it, take photos, and either recheck it in two to three weeks or refer for a biopsy — because a small area of concern found early is much easier to address than one found later.
You may need or want this treatment if…
- You are due for a routine dental checkup.
- You use — or previously used — tobacco or nicotine products.
- You have a persistent sore, patch, or lump lasting more than two weeks.
- You have a family history of oral, head, or neck cancers.
Why patients choose this treatment.
- Detects concerns at their earliest, most treatable stage
- Painless and completed in just a few minutes
- Included with every hygiene visit at our Plantation office
- Provides peace of mind for you and your family
- No dyes, needles, or added cost required
Who this is a good fit for.
- Every adult patient — recommended at least once per year
- Tobacco, nicotine, or heavy alcohol users
- Patients with a family history of oral or throat cancers
- Anyone with a sore, patch, or lump that has not healed in two weeks
A calm, considered process — from consultation to completion.
01
Visual Exam
Dr. Allen examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat under good lighting.
02
Tactile Check
Gentle palpation of the neck, jaw, and floor of the mouth checks for lumps or asymmetries.
03
Documentation
Anything unusual is documented and photographed so we can compare over time.
04
Follow-Up
Concerning findings are rechecked or referred for a biopsy when appropriate.
Caring for your smile afterward.
Between visits, look at your own mouth briefly once a month. Contact us if you notice a sore, red or white patch, lump, or persistent hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks — most turn out to be harmless, but early evaluation is always the right call.
How often should I be screened?+
At least once a year. Most patients are screened at every six-month hygiene visit.
Does an oral cancer screening cost extra?+
No. Screenings are included with your regular hygiene appointment at our Plantation office.
What should I look out for at home?+
Persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, numbness, or a hoarse voice lasting more than two weeks.
Is the screening uncomfortable?+
Not at all — it is a brief visual and tactile exam with no needles or dyes.
What happens if you find something concerning?+
We photograph and document the area, and either recheck it in a couple of weeks or refer you promptly for a biopsy.
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Ready when you are
Schedule your oral cancer screenings consultation.
Serving Plantation, Sunrise, Davie, and greater South Florida — with unhurried, honest dentistry.