Oral Cancer Screening in Westlake Village
Maybe you've noticed a sore on your tongue that hasn't healed, a white or red patch inside your cheek, or a lump you can feel but can't see. Or maybe nothing seems wrong, and you simply want peace of mind. Either way, you're asking a smart question. At 805 Dentistry, we help Westlake Village patients check their oral health carefully and calmly, with a clear explanation of what we find and what comes next.
An oral cancer screening is a focused examination of the tissues in and around your mouth. We look for changes that may need a closer look, such as unusual spots, sores, swelling, or texture changes. During the screening, we examine your lips, gums, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and the back of your throat. We also gently feel your jaw and neck for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
The screening is noninvasive and usually takes only a few minutes. It fits easily into a dental exam visit at our office, so you don't need to plan a separate trip. Our office serves families throughout the area, including Westlake Village. Many of our patients like having one practice they can trust for routine care and for any follow-up that might be needed.
Many changes in the mouth turn out to be harmless. Still, some don't go away on their own, and others are easy to miss without a trained eye. Having an experienced team look regularly gives you a baseline. That baseline makes new or changing areas easier to spot over time.
What sets our office apart is the range of care we can provide under one roof if a screening raises questions:
- Oral cancer evaluations through our Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology services
- Oral biopsies performed in our office, so you can avoid being sent elsewhere for a tissue sample
- Second-opinion pathology reviews if you've already been evaluated by another provider
- 2D, 3D, and CBCT imaging, interpreted by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on our staff
- Sedation options, including nitrous, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, provided by a board-certified dental anesthesiologist for patients who feel anxious
Who should get an oral cancer screening?
Adults of all ages can benefit from an oral cancer screening, especially as part of regular preventive care. You don't need to have symptoms to schedule one. Many of our Westlake Village patients request a screening during a routine visit simply because they want to stay informed about their health.
A screening is especially worthwhile if you've noticed something specific. That might be a sore that lingers, a patch of discolored tissue, ongoing hoarseness, numbness, or discomfort when chewing or swallowing. Patients who use tobacco or drink alcohol regularly should also talk with us about screening. Our Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology services accept patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly if something concerns you.
What happens during the screening, and what if you find something?
During the screening, we visually examine your mouth and throat and gently feel the surrounding tissues. We'll explain what we're looking at as we go, and you're welcome to ask questions at any point. Most patients find the experience simple and comfortable.
If we notice an area that needs more attention, we'll talk with you about options. Sometimes the best step is to monitor the spot and recheck it at a later visit. In other cases, we may recommend imaging or an oral biopsy, in which we take a small tissue sample for evaluation. We perform biopsies right here in our office. Throughout the process, we'll keep you informed and help you understand each step before moving forward.
Is there any recovery or aftercare?
A standard screening involves no recovery time, and you can return to your normal day right away. Between visits, it helps to pay attention to your own mouth. If you notice a sore, patch, or lump that doesn't improve, let us know rather than waiting for your next appointment.
If you have a biopsy, we'll give you clear instructions for caring for the area afterward and explain how and when we'll follow up. Our goal is for you to leave knowing exactly what to expect.
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. Some services, such as those provided through our specialty departments, are filed with insurance as specialist care, and we'll walk you through what that means for your plan.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help make care more manageable. If you live in Westlake Village and have been putting off a screening, or if something in your mouth has been on your mind, reach out to our team at 805 Dentistry. Dr. Dar Radfar and our staff are glad to answer your questions and help you schedule a visit.