Preventive Screening
Oral Cancer Screening in North Conway, NH
A quick, comfortable check that can make a life-changing difference when done regularly.
Oral cancer can be easier to treat when found early, often before you notice symptoms. At White Mountain Dental, we include a thorough visual and tactile exam to look for unusual changes in your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. It’s simple, fast, and an important part of preventive care in North Conway, NH.
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Oral Cancer Screening at White Mountain Dental
An oral cancer screening is a focused exam that checks for abnormal tissue changes that could need further evaluation. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we make this screening easy to fit into routine visits so you can feel confident that subtle concerns aren’t being missed.
Why Screening Matters
Many early changes are painless and easy to overlook at home. Regular screenings help identify concerns sooner, when next steps are often simpler and outcomes can be better. Screening is especially important if you use tobacco, vape, drink alcohol frequently, have a history of HPV exposure, or spend a lot of time in the sun (lip tissue).
- Early awareness Identifies suspicious changes before symptoms become obvious.
- Fast and noninvasive A brief exam during your visit—no recovery time needed.
- Personalized risk review We discuss habits, history, and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
- Clear next steps If we see something concerning, we guide you on monitoring, imaging, or referral as appropriate.
What We Check During an Oral Cancer Screening
We examine the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue (top and underside), floor of the mouth, palate, and the back of the throat. We also gently feel for lumps, firmness, or tender areas in the tissues and around the jaw and neck. If you wear dentures or have areas that rub, we’ll check those sites carefully, too.
- Visual exam under bright light to spot color or texture changes
- Tissue check for sores, patches, or areas that don’t heal as expected
- Palpation of oral tissues and neck to detect unusual lumps or firmness
- Guidance on monitoring and follow-up timing based on what we find
When to Call Us Between Visits
Contact us if you notice a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, persistent pain, a lump, numbness, red or white patches, trouble swallowing, or a change in voice. Even when a change is not serious, it’s worth checking. If you’re due for a checkup, schedule with White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH and ask about adding an oral cancer screening to your visit.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQ
- What is an oral cancer screening?
- It’s a targeted exam where we look closely at the mouth and throat and gently feel the tissues to identify unusual changes that may need monitoring or further evaluation.
- Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
- No. The exam is typically quick and comfortable. You may feel gentle pressure as we check the tissues and areas around the jaw and neck.
- How long does the screening take?
- In most cases, just a few minutes as part of your regular appointment. If you have a specific concern to evaluate, it may take a bit longer so we can assess it thoroughly.
- What symptoms should I watch for at home?
- Call if you have a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, a persistent lump, numbness, unexplained bleeding, red or white patches, or ongoing pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
- Risk can be higher with tobacco use (including vaping), heavy alcohol use, certain HPV exposures, significant sun exposure to the lips, and a history of oral cancer or precancerous lesions.
- If you find something unusual, does that mean I have cancer?
- Not necessarily. Many findings are caused by irritation, infection, or trauma. If something looks suspicious or doesn’t resolve, we’ll recommend the right next step—such as re-checking, imaging, or a referral for further evaluation.
- How often should I get screened?
- Many patients receive screening during routine dental exams. We’ll recommend timing based on your health history, risk factors, and any past findings.
- Can dentures or rough teeth cause spots that look concerning?
- Yes—chronic irritation can create sores or thickened tissue. We’ll evaluate the area, address the source of rubbing, and guide follow-up to make sure it heals appropriately.
- Is screening still important if I feel fine?
- Yes. Early changes can be painless, which is why screening is valuable even when you have no symptoms.
- How do I get started?
- Schedule a routine visit and mention any symptoms or spots you’ve noticed. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we’ll include an oral cancer screening and explain anything we observe in clear, simple terms.
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Fri–Sun: Closed
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