Oral Cancer Screenings in Livingston, NJ
When did you last have an oral cancer screening? If it’s been a while, it’s necessary to find a dentist in Livingston, NJ who can perform this screening. Oral cancer screenings are an important piece of preventive dental care. When you have these screenings regularly, our dentist can detect oral cancer early, which will improve your chances of successful treatment and full recovery.
Oral cancer is typically a growth or sore in the mouth. There are other types of oral cancer that affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and more. As with all cancers, early detection and treatment are essential. When oral cancer is caught early, cancer and lesions are easy to remove. This is also when you will have the greatest success rate. That’s one reason why oral cancer screenings near you are so important.
What Happens at Oral Cancer Screenings?
If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening before, you might be wondering what to expect. Typically, at Livingston Dental Group, our dentist will do a basic oral cancer screening while cleaning your teeth. Dr. Eden Seitomer will do a full examination of your mouth to check for signs of oral cancer, including lumps and spots. This examination covers:
- Your lips.
- Your gums.
- Your tongue.
- The insides of your cheeks.
- The roof of your mouth.
- The back of your throat.
A more in-depth test may be done next. Our dentist may rinse your mouth with blue dye. This blue dye will be absorbed by any abnormal cells, making it easier for our dentist to determine whether you have oral cancer.
If our dentist notices anything abnormal, you may need a biopsy so the area of your mouth can be examined further. This will be scheduled for a few weeks after your oral cancer screening.
How Often Should You Get Oral Cancer Screenings?
You should visit a dentist near you for oral cancer screenings every three years if you’re between the ages of 20 and 40. If you’re over the age of 40, oral cancer screenings are recommended annually.
Is it time for you to have an oral cancer screening? Contact Dr. Eden Seitomer at Livingston Dental Group to make an appointment today!