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1192 North Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
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Early detection is the cornerstone of effective cancer treatment, and this principle applies directly to oral cancer. At Crown Point Smiles, we prioritize preventive care and patient education to help our community stay proactive about their health. Oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle, and in many cases, the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed until the condition has significantly progressed. That is why routine oral cancer screenings are a critical part of our comprehensive dental care services.
Oral cancer screening involves a thorough examination of the mouth, throat, lips, gums, and surrounding tissues to identify any abnormal or potentially cancerous growths. These screenings are quick, painless, and potentially life-saving. As dental professionals, we are trained to recognize early warning signs that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Our goal is to ensure our patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in taking an active role in their health by incorporating regular oral cancer screenings into their routine dental visits.
If you have been searching for trusted and thorough oral cancer screening in Crown Point, we invite you to learn more about how this simple yet powerful examination can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
Oral cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells within the oral cavity or oropharynx. This includes the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palates, sinuses, and throat. Oral cancer can present in various forms, including squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or minor salivary gland carcinomas.
In the early stages, oral cancer may appear as a small sore, lump, or patch in the mouth that does not heal. Some patients experience pain, numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or changes in their voice. Unfortunately, these symptoms can often be mistaken for other, less serious conditions, which is why professional evaluation is essential.
The risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and a family history of cancer. However, even individuals without these risk factors can develop oral cancer, making screenings an important preventive measure for everyone.
The key to effective cancer treatment is early detection. Oral cancer screening gives us the opportunity to identify abnormal tissue changes before they become visible or symptomatic. When caught in its earliest stages, oral cancer has a significantly higher rate of successful treatment and survival.
Oral cancer screening is not just about identifying cancer — it’s about spotting precancerous lesions that could become malignant if left untreated. By recognizing these early signs, we can act promptly and refer you to a specialist if needed.
At Crown Point Smiles, we use both visual and tactile assessment techniques, as well as advanced diagnostic tools, to ensure that nothing is overlooked. This proactive approach is part of our commitment to total body health, not just dental care.
When you come in for an oral cancer screening, the process is quick, simple, and completely noninvasive. Here’s what happens during your visit:
The screening typically takes only a few minutes and is included in your routine dental exam. If anything unusual is found, we’ll discuss the next steps immediately.
We recommend oral cancer screenings for all adults, particularly those over age 18. You may benefit even more from regular screenings if:
Even without risk factors, annual screenings are a smart preventive step.
Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice signs of oral cancer. At Crown Point Smiles, we go beyond cleaning teeth—we assess your oral tissues to ensure early detection and peace of mind. Our team stays current with the latest research and technologies to deliver thorough, informed care at every visit.
If we find something concerning, we’ll communicate clearly and compassionately. Not all abnormal areas mean cancer, but further evaluation may be recommended. This could include monitoring the area, referral to a specialist, or a biopsy. We’ll guide you through each step with clarity and support.
We recommend annual screenings for most adults, or more frequently if you have known risk factors. During your visit, we’ll review your history and determine the right screening schedule for you.
Education is a key part of prevention. That’s why we take the time to explain the purpose of oral cancer screening during each visit. By incorporating regular screenings into your dental routine, you can take control of your long-term health.
Oral cancer screening may seem small, but it carries life-saving potential. Whether or not you have risk factors, this quick exam offers peace of mind and protection. At Crown Point Smiles, we’re here to keep you healthy—inside and out.
Schedule your screening today and take a proactive step for your health.
During an oral cancer screening, we perform a careful visual and physical examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. We look for any unusual signs like sores, lumps, or discolorations and feel for any abnormal swellings. The process is quick, painless, and usually part of your routine dental visit.
For most adults, we recommend an oral cancer screening once a year as part of your regular dental checkup. If you have risk factors like tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of cancer, more frequent screenings might be advised.
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol increase risk, oral cancer can affect anyone. Factors such as HPV infection, family history, sun exposure, and unexplained oral symptoms also play a role. That’s why we recommend screening for all adults regardless of risk factors.
No, oral cancer screening is completely painless and noninvasive. It involves only a visual check and gentle palpation of tissues. Some additional tests may use special lights or rinses, but these do not cause discomfort.
If you notice persistent sores, lumps, patches, unexplained bleeding, numbness, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your voice lasting more than two weeks, you should schedule a screening promptly.
If we find anything concerning, we will explain the findings clearly and recommend next steps, which may include monitoring, further testing, or referral to a specialist for biopsy and evaluation.
Yes, screenings are designed to identify not only cancer but also precancerous lesions. Early detection of these changes can prevent progression to cancer with appropriate care.
The screening is usually completed within a few minutes during your regular dental exam, making it a convenient and essential part of your visit.
While some risk factors cannot be changed, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from sun exposure, and maintaining regular screenings significantly reduce your risk.
At Crown Point Smiles, we combine experienced dental professionals with advanced screening techniques to provide thorough, compassionate care. Our commitment to early detection helps protect your overall health and well-being. We make the screening process comfortable and informative so you can feel confident about your oral health.
Address:
1192 North Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307