Oral cancer screening in West Hills Los Angeles, CA can save your life
When you think of dentistry, your first thought is probably teeth. However, a dentist is a doctor of the mouth. Our area of expertise includes not only teeth, but also the structure around the mouth and soft tissue such as gums. In fact, one of the most vital – literally lifesaving – services that we provide here at Royal Dental Practice in West Hills Los Angeles, CA has nothing to do with teeth. We are referring to oral cancer screening. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It allows us to detect cancer before it is visible to the naked eye.
Why oral cancer screening is important
Two facts are true of virtually any type of cancer. First, it has the potential to be deadly. Second, early detection and treatment dramatically increases your chances of survival. Oral cancer is no exception. It claims nearly ten thousand American lives every year.
The five-year survival rate, as reported by the National Cancer Institute, is:
- Early detection – 83 percent if the cancer is diagnosed and treated before it spreads
- Late detection – 38 percent if the cancer has already reached other parts of the body
Protect Your Health with Early Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer screening is a simple yet vital part of your preventive dental care. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Roya Shoffet offers thorough screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer and give you peace of mind. Early detection can make all the difference, and our office is committed to using the latest tools to protect your health. If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or it’s been a while, we encourage you to take this proactive step. Call (818) 334-6655 or book online to schedule your screening and stay ahead of potential concerns.
Book an Appointment NowHow is standard oral cancer screening done?
A standard oral cancer screening begins with a visual exam, looking for lumps, red patches, white patches, or sores inside the mouth and on the lower face. Unfortunately, this method cannot detect tumors until they are large enough to see.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
What is an oral cancer screening, and why is it important?
An oral cancer screening is a non-invasive, quick exam performed by Dr. Roya Shoffet to detect early signs of precancer or cancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues. It involves examining the tongue, lips, cheeks, palate, and throat for abnormalities like lumps, discoloration, or sores. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, we include screenings as part of routine check-ups to protect both your oral and overall health.
What is the cost of an oral cancer screening?
The cost of an oral cancer screening is typically included in your regular dental exam at no extra charge. However, if additional diagnostic tools are used, the fee may range from $25 to $70. At Royal Dental Practice, early detection saves lives, and we aim to keep this vital service affordable. Our staff will review any fees with you beforehand and check whether your insurance covers it as part of your preventive care.
Does insurance cover oral cancer screenings?
Many dental insurance plans include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine check-up, especially if you’re considered high risk. At Royal Dental Practice, we will confirm your insurance benefits and help ensure you receive maximum coverage. If your plan does not cover the screening, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options so every patient can access this potentially life-saving service.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
Oral cancer screenings are completely painless. Dr. Shoffet gently examines your mouth, throat, and neck for unusual changes or lumps. She may use a special light or dye to enhance visibility, but the process is quick and non-invasive. Most patients don’t even realize it’s happening—it’s simply part of your regular dental exam at Royal Dental Practice, designed to keep you safe and informed about your health.
Why should I choose Royal Dental Practice for oral cancer screenings?
At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Dr. Roya Shoffet is committed to your total health, not just your teeth. Our practice uses up-to-date technology and a compassionate approach to detect signs of oral cancer early, when it’s most treatable. We include this screening in your routine visits without added stress or inconvenience. You can trust our experience, thoroughness, and dedication to catching health concerns before they escalate.
Who is most at risk for oral cancer?
Individuals who smoke or use tobacco products, consume alcohol frequently, or have HPV are at higher risk for oral cancer. Those over the age of 40 and people with a family history of cancer may also face increased risk. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, even individuals with no known risk factors. That’s why Dr. Shoffet recommends routine screenings for all adult patients at Royal Dental Practice, regardless of age or health history.
How frequently should I be screened for oral cancer?
Dr. Shoffet recommends that all adult patients receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year, typically during a routine dental exam. However, if you’re at higher risk due to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or other factors, she may advise more frequent checks. Consistent screenings can catch abnormalities early and improve outcomes, so staying on schedule is key to safeguarding your health.
What are the next steps if something suspicious is found?
If Dr. Shoffet notices a suspicious lesion or abnormal area during your screening, she may recommend a follow-up visit, additional imaging, or a biopsy to determine whether further treatment is needed. We’ll explain every step clearly and coordinate with specialists if necessary. At Royal Dental Practice, your health and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we act swiftly and compassionately if concerns arise.
Can oral cancer be prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, you can significantly lower your risk by avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco use, maintaining good oral hygiene, and visiting your dentist regularly for screenings. A healthy diet and HPV vaccination may also reduce your risk. Regular check-ups with Dr. Shoffet allow us to detect changes early, provide education on prevention, and support a lifestyle that promotes oral and overall health.
What are the early signs of oral cancer I should watch for?
Early signs of oral cancer include persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, lumps, swelling, unexplained bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. Pain or numbness in the mouth, jaw, or throat that doesn’t resolve after two weeks may also be a warning sign. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Royal Dental Practice immediately. Dr. Shoffet can perform an in-depth evaluation to determine the cause and provide the necessary care.
How long does Oral Cancer Screening take?
Oral cancer screening is very quick, usually lasting only a few minutes during your routine dental appointment. Dr. Roya Shoffet examines your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for any irregularities, often without patients even realizing a screening is happening. Despite its short duration, the process is incredibly valuable for protecting your health. This efficient exam provides peace of mind while ensuring early detection of potentially serious oral health conditions.
How often should you have oral cancer screening?
Most people should be checked for oral cancer at minimum once a year. However, more frequent screenings may be recommended for high-risk individuals. Because the process is safe and comfortable, there is no such thing as too frequent of screenings. If you have concerns about oral cancer, please call us at (818) 334-6655 and schedule an appointment.
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