Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers among people in the U.S. Did you know that 36,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the US? Out of the 36,000 diagnosed, the fatality rate is just under 50%. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high NOT because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered LATE in its development. If it is detected early, the survival rate can be 80% or higher.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Alcohol Consumption
Tobacco Use
Persistent Viral Infections (HPV)
Greater Risk after Age 35
More Common among Men

Oral Cancer Symptoms

A sore/lesion in mouth that does not heal within two weeks
A lump or thickening in the cheek
A white/red patch on the gums/tongue/tonsil/lining of mouth
A sore throat/a feeling that something is caught in the throat
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly

Oral Cancer Gallery - Courtesy of Oral Cancer Foundation

The Identafi 3000

Utilizing a new tool in our office, the Identafi 3000 oral cancer screening device, we are able to enhance the early detection of oral cancer, while greatly reducing any false positives in the testing. The Identafi 3000 utilizes a white, violet, and amber wavelength to excite mucosal tissues to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature of oral lesions. While some offices charge for this benefit, we provide it at no cost to all of our patients.

What Makes You Smile?

Your smile deserves top-quality treatment – as do you! Call our Houston cosmetic and implant dental c enter today for your complimentary consultation with leading Houston dentists Dr. Richard Gervais, Dr. Heather Robbins, and Board Certified Periodontist Dr. Raouf Hanna. We provide comprehensive general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry for discerning families in the Houston area.

Our Greenway Plaza dental office is located in Houston’s Inner Loop, near West University Place, River Oaks, Montrose, Bellaire, and Mid-town.