Oral Cancer Screening in West Hills
A small white patch along the side of your tongue, a sore inside your cheek that hasn't healed in a few weeks, or a rough spot you keep noticing when you swallow can be easy to dismiss and hard to stop worrying about. An oral cancer screening gives you a clear, professional look at those changes. At 805 Dentistry, we make screenings part of the care we offer families from West Hills and throughout the region, so a question about your mouth gets a thoughtful answer instead of lingering in the back of your mind.
An oral cancer screening is a careful visual and hands-on examination of the tissues in and around your mouth. During the visit, we look at your lips, gums, tongue (including the sides and underside), the floor and roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. We also gently feel the areas around your jaw and neck for anything unusual, such as lumps or tenderness.
The goal is to identify tissue that looks or feels different from what we would expect so it can be evaluated further. Most changes we see turn out to have ordinary explanations. Still, a screening lets us document what we find and decide together whether anything needs a closer look.
West Hills patients come to us for screenings for many different reasons. Some simply want screenings included in their routine dental exams as part of good preventive care. Others have noticed a specific change, such as a patch of red or white tissue, a sore that hasn't healed, or a lump they can feel with their tongue. Some patients call because another provider spotted something and recommended a second look.
Because our practice cares for children and adults of all ages, screenings fit naturally into the family visits many households already schedule with us. One appointment can cover cleanings, exams, and the screening, which is convenient if you're coordinating care for several family members.
What happens if something looks unusual?
If we see an area that needs more attention, we explain what we found in plain terms and walk you through your options. That might mean monitoring the spot over a set period. If the area warrants it, we may recommend testing.
Our office includes Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology services, so we can provide oral cancer evaluations and perform oral biopsies right in our office. We also offer second-opinion pathology reviews. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist can provide 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT imaging, and interpret scans for oral pathology when imaging would help clarify what's going on. Keeping these steps under one roof means fewer handoffs and a more connected experience for you.
What should I expect during my visit?
You can expect a quick, comfortable exam with no needles or incisions. Here is how a typical screening unfolds:
- We review your health history and ask about any changes you've noticed.
- We visually examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth.
- We gently feel your jaw, neck, and the tissues inside your mouth.
- We share what we observed and answer your questions before you leave.
If you feel nervous at the dentist, please tell us. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several options for patients with dental anxiety, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. These options can be especially helpful if a screening leads to further treatment.
Is there any aftercare after an oral cancer screening?
A standard screening requires no recovery time, so you can return to your normal day right away. What we do ask is that you stay attentive to your mouth between visits. If a spot we discussed changes in size, color, or texture, or if a new sore doesn't heal, call us so we can take another look.
If you had a biopsy, we'll give you specific care instructions for the area and let you know how and when we'll follow up about the results. Our team is available to answer questions as they come up. We also offer emergency dental appointments if something urgent develops.
How can I pay for an oral cancer screening?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we're happy to help you understand how your coverage applies. Our team can file claims on your behalf so you can focus on your care.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread out the cost of their care. If you have questions about what your visit may involve financially, just ask when you call. We'll talk through your options openly so there are no surprises.
Whether you're due for a routine checkup or you have a specific concern you'd like examined, our team led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, is here to help West Hills patients get answers with care and clarity. Reach out to schedule your oral cancer screening with 805 Dentistry.