Services
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless evaluations that check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. At Kind Heart Dental in Santa Maria, CA, we include these screenings as part of your routine dental exams to ensure early detection and peace of mind. Early diagnosis can greatly improve outcomes and treatment success.
How It Works
A Simple 3-Step Process
Step 1
Routine Dental Visit
Your screening is performed during your regular checkup—no extra appointment needed.
Step 2
Visual and Physical Exam
We check your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, throat, and jaw for any unusual lumps, sores, or discoloration.
Step 3
Follow-Up if Needed
If we notice anything unusual, we’ll explain the next steps and help you coordinate further evaluation if necessary.
What We Look For During a Screening
The exam focuses on identifying signs that may need closer monitoring or referral.
- Red or white patches
- Persistent sores that don’t heal
- Unusual lumps or swelling
- Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Changes in voice or persistent hoarseness
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings
- Detects issues early before symptoms appear
- Takes just a few minutes
- Non-invasive and pain-free
- Offers peace of mind
- Improves chances of successful treatment when caught early
Why Choose Kind Heart Dental?
Dr. Christiane Trigueros takes a preventive approach to dental care, including thorough screenings for oral cancer. Our team is trained to detect early signs and ensure that you’re informed and supported every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
We include a screening with every routine dental exam, typically every six months.
Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV, sun exposure (for lip cancer), and age over 40.
We visually inspect your mouth and feel around your jaw and neck for lumps or irregularities
Not at all. The exam is quick, gentle, and completely painless.
We’ll refer you for further testing or a specialist evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.