Services
Oral Cancer Screening
We check your mouth, tongue, and throat for early warning signs and can perform oral biopsies right here in our office.
Why choose us
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Catch Changes Early
We look closely for unusual spots or tissue changes so concerns can be addressed sooner.
Part of Routine Care
We can include a screening alongside your regular dental exam for patients of all ages.
In-Office Biopsies
If an area needs a closer look, we can perform an oral biopsy right here in our office.
Advanced Imaging Available
Our team offers 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT, when deeper evaluation is helpful.
Peace of Mind
A clear, careful check helps you understand your oral health and feel confident about next steps.
Most people never notice the early changes that matter most in their mouths. A small patch on the side of the tongue, a sore under a denture that lingers, or a rough spot inside the cheek can easily be dismissed as a bite or a minor irritation. An oral cancer screening gives us a dedicated moment to look closely at those tissues, so that anything unusual is noticed, documented, and followed up on rather than overlooked. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, we make this part of how we care for patients of all ages, because a careful look today can make the next step much clearer if something ever does need attention.
An oral cancer screening is a focused examination of the soft tissues of your mouth and the surrounding areas. During a visit, we look at and gently feel the lips, gums, tongue (including its sides and underside), the floor and roof of the mouth, the inner cheeks, and the back of the throat. We also check the jaw and neck area for anything that feels different from what we would expect. The goal is simple: to identify color changes, sores, lumps, or textures that deserve a closer look.
This screening often takes place alongside a routine dental exam and cleaning, which makes it easy to fit into the visits you already have. Because our practice sees children and adults, we can keep an eye on soft tissue health over many years and notice when something changes from one visit to the next.
Screenings are valuable for adults generally, and they become especially meaningful for anyone who has noticed something new in their mouth. Examples include a sore that has not healed, a white or red patch, a persistent lump, ongoing hoarseness or throat discomfort, or an area that feels numb or tender without an obvious dental cause.
Patients who wear dentures, have had extensive restorative work, or are simply due for a checkup all benefit from regular screening. If you are visiting from Simi Valley, Camarillo, Westlake Village, or elsewhere in the area and you are concerned about a specific spot, please tell us when you book so we can give it our full attention.
What happens if you find something during my screening?
If we notice an area of concern, we will explain exactly what we see and talk through the next step with you. Many findings turn out to be harmless, but the only way to know is to evaluate them properly rather than guess.
Our office includes capabilities in oral and maxillofacial pathology, which means we provide oral cancer evaluations and perform oral biopsies in the office. Having these resources within our practice can make follow-up more straightforward, since you are not starting over with an unfamiliar office. We also provide 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, when a closer view of the underlying structures would be helpful.
How do I get my results, and is there any aftercare?
A standard visual and physical screening requires no recovery, and you can return to your normal day right away. If everything looks healthy, we will note it in your record so we have a baseline for future visits. If a biopsy is performed, we will give you specific care instructions and let you know how and when we will share the findings.
Between visits, it helps to know what to watch for. Reach out to us if you notice:
- A sore, patch, or spot that has not improved within a couple of weeks
- A lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or neck
- Difficulty or discomfort chewing or swallowing
- Numbness or unexplained tenderness in the mouth or lips
Mentioning these early gives us the best chance to evaluate them promptly.
How can I pay for an oral cancer screening?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and screening is commonly part of a routine dental exam, so many patients find it fits easily into their regular preventive care. Our team can help you understand how your plan applies before your visit.
If you do not have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available for patients who need follow-up care, so cost does not have to stand between you and an answer about something that is concerning you.
When should I schedule my next screening?
The best time is at your next checkup, or sooner if you have noticed something that worries you. Families throughout Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, and nearby communities rely on us as a one-stop office for their dental care, and we would be glad to make this a regular part of yours.
Dr. Dar Radfar and our team keep the process calm, thorough, and clear from start to finish. Call us or request an appointment to schedule your oral cancer screening, and let us help you feel confident about the health of your mouth.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Visual and Physical Exam
We gently examine your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat for anything unusual.
- 2
Closer Evaluation if Needed
If we find an area of concern, we may recommend imaging or an in-office biopsy.
- 3
Review and Follow-Up
We walk you through our findings and plan any monitoring or next steps together.