Oral Cancer Screening in Simi Valley
Maybe you've noticed a sore on your tongue that hasn't healed, a rough patch inside your cheek, or a lump along your jaw that wasn't there a few months ago. Or maybe nothing feels off at all, and you simply want peace of mind. Either way, an oral cancer screening is a calm, straightforward way to get answers. At 805 Dentistry, we welcome patients from Simi Valley who want a careful look at their oral health from a team that can take the next step in-house if anything needs a closer look.
An oral cancer screening is a focused examination of the tissues in and around your mouth. We look for changes in color, texture, or shape that could signal a problem early, often before you would notice symptoms yourself. Our team checks your lips, gums, tongue (including the sides and underside), the inner cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We also gently feel your jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or tenderness.
Many of our Simi Valley patients receive this screening as part of a routine dental exam, so it fits easily into a visit you may already have planned. If you've noticed a specific spot or symptom, you can also schedule a visit just to have it evaluated. Either way, we explain what we're checking as we go, so you're never left wondering.
A screening is quick, comfortable, and noninvasive. There are no needles and no downtime. Most patients are surprised by how simple it feels. We'll begin by asking about your health history and any changes you've noticed, such as persistent soreness, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or a sore that won't go away.
From there, we perform the visual and hands-on exam described above. When it's helpful, our office can also provide 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT scans, which our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist can interpret for signs of oral pathology. This gives us a fuller picture of what's happening beneath the surface when something calls for it.
Who should consider an oral cancer screening?
Nearly every adult can benefit from regular screenings, and they're especially valuable if you've noticed any change in your mouth that lasts longer than a couple of weeks. Because we see patients of all ages, we can include screenings as part of ongoing care for every adult member of your family.
You might want to schedule a screening if you're dealing with:
- A sore, ulcer, or irritated spot that isn't healing
- White or red patches on your gums, tongue, or cheeks
- A lump, thickening, or rough area in your mouth or neck
- Unexplained numbness, pain, or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A spot another provider has asked you to have checked
Patients with a history of tobacco or alcohol use often choose to be screened more regularly, but changes can happen to anyone. If you feel uncertain or anxious about dental visits, let us know. We offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, to help you feel at ease.
What happens if you find something concerning?
If we see an area that needs a closer look, we'll talk with you openly about what we found and what we recommend next. Many changes in the mouth turn out to be harmless, and a finding during a screening isn't a diagnosis. It simply means we want more information.
What sets our office apart is that we have an oral and maxillofacial pathology specialty on our team. We provide oral cancer evaluations and can perform an oral biopsy right in our office, so you don't have to start over somewhere new. For Simi Valley families, keeping evaluation and follow-up under one roof means fewer appointments to coordinate and a team that already knows your history. We also provide second-opinion pathology reviews if you've already received results elsewhere.
What should you do after your screening?
For most patients, there's nothing special to do afterward. You can eat, drink, and return to your day right away. We encourage you to keep an eye on your mouth between visits and contact us if you notice a new spot or a change that lingers.
If we perform a biopsy, we'll give you clear instructions for caring for the area while it heals and let you know when to expect results. We'll walk you through those results and any next steps in plain language, and we'll make sure your questions are answered before you leave.
How do you pay for an oral cancer screening?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and screenings are often included with routine exams. We're glad to help you understand your coverage before your visit. We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available if further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, our team serves Simi Valley alongside neighboring communities throughout the region. If something in your mouth has been on your mind, reach out to schedule a screening. We're here to help you get answers with care and clarity.