Comprehensive Dental Exams
A full, head-to-toe look at your mouth that sets a starting point for your care.
About comprehensive dental examsPreventive care
Oral cancer screening in Herriman
A sore or patch in your mouth that will not go away is worth a closer look. An oral cancer screening is a quick check that helps your dentist find changes early.
What is an oral cancer screening?
It is a visual and hands-on check of your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, face and neck. Your dentist looks and feels for sores, patches, lumps or other changes. Most screenings take just a few minutes and are part of your regular exam.
- No needles, no special prep
- Done during routine exams
- Finding changes early gives you more treatment options
Who should be screened
Every adult can benefit from a regular check. Your risk may be higher if you:
- Are 40 or older
- Smoke or use chewing tobacco
- Drink alcohol often
- Spend a lot of time in the sun, which can affect the lips
- Have had oral cancer before
People with no risk factors can still get oral cancer, so screening is part of regular checkups for everyone. If something looks unusual, your dentist may want to recheck it in a couple of weeks or refer you to a specialist for more testing. A screening alone cannot tell if a spot is cancer.
What happens during a screening
- Outside check. Your dentist looks at your face, lips and neck and gently feels along your jaw and neck for lumps or swollen glands.
- Inside your lips and cheeks. Your dentist checks for sores, color changes or rough patches.
- Tongue and floor of mouth. You may be asked to stick out your tongue. Your dentist holds it with gauze to see the sides and underneath.
- Roof of mouth and throat. Your dentist looks at the hard and soft palate and the back of your throat.
Signs to watch for between visits
Call us if you notice any of these for more than two weeks:
- A sore, ulcer or lip sore that does not heal
- A red or white patch in your mouth
- A lump or thick spot in your cheek, gums or neck
- Pain or trouble chewing or swallowing
- Numbness in your tongue or lips
- A hoarse voice that does not go away
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about oral cancer screening
How often should I be screened?
Most adults have a screening at each routine dental exam. If you have higher risk, your dentist may check more closely or more often.
Does the screening hurt?
No. Your dentist looks in your mouth and feels gently with gloved hands. You may feel a little pressure when your tongue is held.
What if my dentist finds something?
Most spots turn out to be minor, such as a bite injury or irritation. Your dentist may recheck it in a couple of weeks. If it is still there, you may be referred for a biopsy to find out what it is.
Can I check my own mouth at home?
Yes. Once a month, use a mirror and good light to look at your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and the roof of your mouth. Tell us about anything new that lasts more than two weeks.
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Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.