Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Performed During Dental Visits
Oral cancer can develop silently, with symptoms that are often subtle or go unnoticed. That’s one of the reasons Dr. Martinez includes an oral cancer screening as part of his comprehensive dental exams. These screenings are quick, non-invasive, and potentially lifesaving. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist looks for early warning signs such as:
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained lumps or thickened areas inside your cheeks or along your gums
- Persistent pain, numbness, or difficulty swallowing
By incorporating this step into a regular checkup, Dr. Martinez ensures his patients receive preventive care that goes beyond teeth and gums, offering peace of mind and real protection.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, and early detection dramatically improves survival rates. While certain risk factors can heighten your chances, it can affect anyone, making regular screenings essential for all adults. The most common risk factors include:
- Use of tobacco/nicotine products and excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure that raises the risk of lip cancer
- A family history of cancer
- Being over the age of 40
What sets Corona Smile Shoppe apart is how we personalize this conversation with you, transparently educating you on your individual risk profile and empowering you with prevention strategies.
What Happens If Your Dentist Finds Something Concerning?
If Dr. Martinez spots anything unusual during your oral cancer screening, don’t panic. The discovery of a lesion or sore doesn’t automatically mean cancer. That’s why we take a step-by-step, no-pressure approach focused on clarity and support. Next steps may include:
- Monitoring the area for changes over time
- Taking a digital image for close analysis
- Referring you to a specialist for a biopsy if necessary
At every stage, you'll have a warm and knowledgeable team guiding you, ready to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your care decisions.
Advanced Tools for a More Thorough Screening
The comprehensive care offered at Corona Smile Shoppe is powered by advanced dental technology. Our same-day digital dentistry doesn’t just make it convenient to receive crowns and restorations, it also supports high-quality diagnostics that enhance our ability to detect abnormalities early.
With high-definition imaging tools and specialized lighting, Dr. Martinez can catch subtle tissue changes that may not be visible to the naked eye. And if your preferred language is Spanish, our bilingual team will ensure you're fully informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Get Peace of Mind with a Dental Exam in Corona
Your oral health is about more than just a bright smile, it's also about safeguarding your overall well-being. If it’s been a while since your last exam, or if you have concerns you'd like checked out, call Corona Smile Shoppe today at (951) 444-7010.
Our warm, inclusive team in Corona is here to provide gentle care and empower you with the knowledge you need to stay healthy. You’ll leave feeling heard, cared for, and confident about your health.
