
We truly care about your overall health and wellness, which is why we have made significant investments in cutting-edge oral cancer screening technology to protect your health for a lifetime. Did you know that someone in the United States dies every hour from oral cancer? With a cure rate exceeding 80 percent when identified and treated early, the high mortality rate is largely due to late diagnoses. Unfortunately, not enough patients receive adequate screening from their dental professionals. At our practice, we ensure an oral cancer screening is a part of every examination. By employing advanced screening technology, we can identify potential issues at an early stage. Spending just five minutes could make a difference in your health — it could even save your life. Be vigilant for these symptoms: • Unexplained bleeding • Numbness, loss of sensation, or pain in areas of the mouth • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing • Ear pain • Persistent sore throat • Presence of white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth • Swelling, thickening, lumps, rough patches, or lesions Oral cancer tends to impact: • The front 2/3 of the tongue • The inner lining of cheeks and lips • The floor of the mouth beneath the tongue • The roof of the mouth • Gums • A small section behind the wisdom teeth • Minor salivary glands Though these areas can be examined during your visit, we require a deeper examination to identify the initial signs of abnormalities. Initial treatment for oral cancer generally involves surgery, along with assistance from oncologists. Each individual case is unique. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please reach out to our office to arrange a screening and consultation. Our goal is to identify issues before they escalate, and we need your collaboration! Make sure to schedule your biannual check-ups for preventative care. In terms of oral cancer, proactive measures are essential.
"I cannot recommend Dr. Rafaela enough.. I had extreme anxiety about going to the dentist and had such bad experiences that I avoided going for 7 years. I have really sensitive teeth which makes cleanings usually very painful for me but she was so gentle while also being very thorough. When I went back to her for fillings it was the same relaxing and enjoyable experience. I am so happy that I found her she really changed the way I feel about dental visits and now I will bring my kids for their cleanings here as well."