Oral Cancer Screening in Calabasas
Most of us check our skin for unusual spots or notice when a sore throat lingers too long. The mouth deserves the same attention, but changes inside it are easy to miss: a patch on the side of the tongue, a rough area under the lip, or a sore that never quite heals. At 805 Dentistry, we include oral cancer screening in routine care, giving families from Calabasas and nearby communities a simple, regular way to have these areas checked by people who look inside mouths every day.
An oral cancer screening is a careful look at, and feel of, the soft tissues of your mouth, face, and neck. During a dental exam, we check your lips, cheeks, gums, the top and underside of your tongue, the floor of your mouth, the roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We look for color changes, lumps, rough patches, or areas that feel different from the surrounding tissue. We also gently feel the jaw and neck.
Many Calabasas patients have this screening without realizing it, because it fits naturally into a regular checkup and cleaning. It takes only a few minutes and involves no needles or downtime. We will explain what we are checking as we go, so you know what we are looking for and why.
Patients come to us for different reasons, and the screening fits each one. Some are simply keeping up with preventive dentistry and want a thorough exam as part of every visit. Others have noticed something specific, such as a white or red patch, a lump, or a spot that bleeds easily, and want it looked at promptly.
We also see patients who received a concerning finding elsewhere and want a closer evaluation, as well as parents who want their own exam scheduled alongside their children's visits. Because we serve children and adults of all ages, Calabasas families can often coordinate care for the whole household at one office.
What happens if you find something unusual?
If we notice an area of concern, we discuss it with you right away and explain our recommended next step. Sometimes that means monitoring the spot and checking it again at a follow-up visit. Other times, a closer look is warranted.
Our office includes oral and maxillofacial pathology capabilities, which means we provide oral cancer evaluations and can perform an oral biopsy in our office rather than sending you elsewhere for that step. We also offer second-opinion pathology reviews. When imaging helps, we provide 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist is on staff to interpret scans involving oral pathology. Keeping these steps under one roof can make the process less stressful for patients traveling from Calabasas.
What should I expect during and after my visit?
Most screenings are quick and comfortable, and you can return to your normal day immediately afterward. Here is what a typical visit looks like:
- A brief conversation about your health history and any changes you have noticed
- A visual check of your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat
- A gentle hands-on check of your jaw and neck
- A clear explanation of what we found and any recommended follow-up
If we perform a biopsy, we will walk you through how to care for the area at home and when to expect results. Between visits, we encourage you to pay attention to your own mouth. If you notice a sore, patch, or lump that does not go away, call us rather than waiting for your next checkup. For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures, our dental anesthesiology team offers options including nitrous, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia when appropriate.
How do I pay for an oral cancer screening?
For many patients, payment is straightforward because the screening is part of a routine dental exam. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and will help you understand how your coverage applies to exams and any follow-up care, such as a biopsy or imaging.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread out the cost of additional treatment. If you have questions about your plan before your visit, our team is happy to talk them through with you.
Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, our team approaches every screening with patience and clear communication. Whether you are due for a checkup or have noticed something you would like examined, we look forward to welcoming you and your family from Calabasas.