Oral cancer can be silent but deadly. It often starts with subtle signs like a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump inside the mouth, or even a persistent sore throat. These symptoms can be easy to miss without a professional evaluation. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment and survival.
At Royal Dental Care, we provide thorough and painless oral cancer screenings in Schaumburg and Norridge as part of your routine dental checkups. This simple screening can help identify early signs of cancer or pre-cancer before they turn into a serious health threat.
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or it has been more than a year, now is the time to prioritize your health.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, gums, and surrounding tissues to check for any abnormalities. This includes checking for:
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained sores or ulcers that don’t heal
- Lumps or thickened areas
- Persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
At Royal Dental Care in Schaumburg and Norridge, our dentists use advanced tools and trained eyes to detect even the earliest signs of trouble. The screening is fast, non-invasive, and can be completed during your routine cleaning appointment.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are recommended for adults of all ages, but they are especially important for individuals with increased risk factors. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Use tobacco products (smoking or chewing)
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Have a history of HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Have a family history of oral or throat cancer
- Spend long hours in the sun without lip protection
- Are over the age of 40
Even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, oral cancer can still develop. At Royal Dental Care in Schaumburg and Norridge, we believe in prevention and early detection for every patient. That is why we include screenings as a regular part of our dental exams.
What Happens During the Screening?
An oral cancer screening at Royal Dental Care is simple and takes only a few minutes. During your appointment, your dentist will:
- Visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth for discoloration, sores, or unusual tissue changes.
- Gently feel the neck, jaw, and lymph nodes to detect any lumps or firm areas.
- Use special tools or lighting devices if necessary to identify areas that may not be visible to the naked eye.
There is no pain, no downtime, and no special preparation needed. If any abnormalities are found, we may recommend further diagnostic tests or refer you to a specialist for evaluation.
Why Choose Royal Dental Care for Oral Cancer Screenings?
Patients from Schaumburg, Norridge, and nearby communities trust Royal Dental Care for compassionate, thorough, and proactive dental care. Here is what makes our screenings different:
- Trained Professionals: Our dentists have years of experience in identifying early signs of oral cancer and abnormal tissue.
- Advanced Detection Tools: We use enhanced screening techniques when needed for greater accuracy.
- Routine Integration: Screenings are included in your regular checkup at no extra hassle.
- Patient Education: We explain everything we see and ensure you understand what to watch for between visits.
- Local and Convenient: Whether you visit our Schaumburg or Norridge office, you receive top-level care close to home.
Our goal is to detect problems early and protect your long-term health with personalized attention and clear communication.
FAQs About Oral Cancer Screenings
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No. The screening is completely painless and involves a visual exam and gentle palpation. It takes only a few minutes.
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
We recommend yearly screenings as part of your dental checkup. If you are at higher risk, we may suggest more frequent evaluations.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
If we find anything unusual, we may recommend a biopsy, imaging, or referral to an oral pathologist or specialist for further testing.
Can young people get oral cancer?
Yes. While the risk increases with age, oral cancer can affect younger adults, especially those with HPV. Regular screenings are important regardless of age.
Does insurance cover oral cancer screenings?
Most insurance plans cover screenings as part of a preventive dental exam. Our front desk staff will be happy to verify your benefits for you.
Protect Your Health With a Quick Oral Cancer Screening at Royal Dental Care
Oral cancer is most treatable when caught early. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Make screenings a part of your dental wellness routine and give yourself peace of mind.
Visit Royal Dental Care in Schaumburg or Norridge for expert oral cancer screenings in a safe, comfortable setting. It only takes a few minutes and could save your life.
Call now or book your appointment online with Royal Dental Care today.
