Oral cancer screening exams are important in cancer prevention

Name: Kirkland Dental Excellence Kirkland Washington
Price range: $

If you are looking for a quick and painless way to check for early signs of cancer in your mouth, oral cancer screening can be a good option. Early detection can save your life and improve treatment outcomes. Here, we will tell you all you need to know about oral cancer screening. Read on to learn more.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screenings in Washington are quick and painless tests that dentists or dental hygienists use to identify early signs of oral cancer. Dentists perform this exam by using specialized tools like lights or dyes to identify abnormal tissues. Through the procedure, we examine your mouth, throat, and surrounding areas to identify any signs of cancer. In addition, the oral cancer screening code is D0431. If you know it, it can help dentists offer better service during your visit and make it easier to include it in your records or insurance claims.

Oral Cancer Screening Devices and Techniques

Dentists commonly use advanced tools and techniques to ensure accuracy during oral cancer screening in Washington, including:

Different oral cancer screening devices include hand-held scopes or cameras to examine your mouth precisely.
Oral cancer screening lights like fluorescent or chemiluminescent lights reveal tissue abnormalities that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Oral cancer screening dye stains abnormal cells and makes it easier to identify cancerous areas.

Why Do We Need Oral Cancer Screening Tests?

Oral cancer can develop without showing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. You need regular screening tests for the following reasons:

Early detection can boost the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Screening helps you identify precancerous conditions early so you can prevent them before getting worse.
Habits like smoking or alcohol use can increase the risk of oral cancer. With regular screenings, you can monitor these risks.
Screenings make you aware of your oral health and encourage you to watch for signs between dental visits.

How Is Oral Cancer Screening Done?

The oral screening for mouth cancer is a painless and non-invasive procedure. Let’s see the steps of oral cancer screening in Washington:

Before the physical examination, we check your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any potential symptoms.
Our dentist looks inside your mouth for unusual spots, sores, or discoloration. We also check your lips, gums, and the roof of your mouth.
We use gloves to feel around your mouth, neck, and jawline for lumps or swelling.
We may use tools like fluorescent lights or dyes to detect abnormal tissues.
Our dentists may take photos of abnormal spots to monitor changes over time.
If we find anything suspicious, we refer you to a specialist for a biopsy.
Our dentists will tell you about self-screening techniques and lifestyle changes to reduce risk to watch for between visits.

Note: Keep in mind that the process is quick and takes less than 10 minutes, and you can incorporate it into your regular dental check-up.

At-Home Oral Cancer Screening

While professional screenings are important, you can also take a few steps at home to monitor your oral health. Let’s see how:

Look for red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, or unusual lumps.
Press around your mouth and neck to check for any swelling or tenderness.
Don’t ignore signs like changes in your voice, difficulty swallowing, or persistent pain in your mouth.
If you use tobacco or alcohol, be extra cautious, as these are significant risk factors.

Pro Tip: Self-screening can’t replace professional exams but can help you identify issues early. If you notice anything unusual, contact our dentists right away.

Oral Cancer Screening Cost

The cost of oral cancer screening in Washington depends on factors like your location and the tools your dentist uses during the examination. Advanced screening devices or specialized dyes can cost you more. For accurate information, you better contact us at (425) 827-2003.

Is Oral Cancer Screening Covered by Insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover up to 80% of oral cancer screening costs. But, coverage can vary based on your specific insurance policy. So, you better confirm the details with your provider. Contact us to learn the price based on your conditions.

Oral Cancer Screening Near Me in Washington

If you live in Washington and are looking for a reliable dental clinic for dental screening for oral cancer, we can help you. Our team uses the best devices and techniques to ensure accurate results. All you need to do is make an online appointment for free consultation.