What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are a critical component of preventive dental care. Oral cancers can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, throat, and gums, and early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. At Bensonhurst Dental Care, oral cancer screenings are performed as part of routine preventive visits to ensure that any abnormalities are identified as early as possible.
Oral Cancer Screenings: Quick Facts
Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
Number of visits | Part of a regular exam |
Time needed | A few minutes |
Anesthesia | None |
Recovery time | None |
How often | At least once a year |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Should Be Screened
While certain risk factors, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, and prolonged sun exposure, increase the likelihood of oral cancer, the disease can affect anyone. This is why screenings are recommended for all patients regardless of risk profile. Integrating oral cancer screenings into comprehensive oral exams and routine dental visits ensures that patients are monitored consistently over time.
Every adult benefits from a screening at their regular exam. It takes a few minutes, involves no discomfort and can find changes long before they cause symptoms.
All adults, as part of routine exams
Anyone who smokes, vapes or uses chewing tobacco
People who drink alcohol regularly
Anyone with a history of HPV or a previous oral cancer
People with significant sun exposure to the lips
Oral Cancer Screenings at Bensonhurst Dental Care
The screening process is quick, non-invasive, and thorough. The dental team visually and manually examines the soft tissues of the mouth, head, and neck for any unusual lesions, discolorations, lumps, or textural changes. Patients are asked about any symptoms they may have noticed, including persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or unexplained changes in their oral tissues. When anything suspicious is identified, further evaluation or referral is arranged promptly.
What to Expect, Step by Step
History. We ask about risk factors and any changes you have noticed.
Visual exam. The lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth and throat are inspected.
Physical exam. The tongue, neck and jaw are gently felt for lumps or firm areas.
Documentation. Any unusual area is measured, photographed and recorded.
Next steps. Suspicious areas are rechecked in two weeks or referred for biopsy.
Warning signs to report
Sign | Where it appears | When to act |
|---|---|---|
A sore that does not heal | Lips, tongue, cheeks, gums | If still present after 2 weeks |
A red or white patch | Anywhere in the mouth | If still present after 2 weeks |
A lump or thickening | Mouth, jaw or neck | As soon as you notice it |
Numbness, or difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue | Mouth and throat | As soon as you notice it |
Most changes we find in the mouth turn out to be harmless. The purpose of screening is to be certain of that.
Before and After Your Visit
Getting the most from your appointment
Before your visit
No preparation is needed
Remove dentures or partials if you wear them
Tell us about any sore, patch or lump you have noticed
After your visit
Check your own mouth monthly in a mirror with good light
Return for the two-week recheck if one was arranged
Keep any referral appointment
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
A mouth sore has lasted longer than two weeks
You find a lump in your mouth or neck
You have unexplained numbness or bleeding
Cost and Insurance
The screening is usually carried out during your regular exam rather than as a separate appointment. Extra costs come up only if an area needs a closer look, such as a follow-up visit, photographs to compare over time, or a referral for a biopsy. Plans usually cover the exam itself as preventive care, and a biopsy or specialist visit may be billed to medical insurance instead.
What affects the cost
Whether X-rays are due
The type of cleaning your gums need
Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
