A Quick, Painless Screening That Protects More Than Your Smile
Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be spotted during a routine dental visit. Nearly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancers of the mouth and throat each year, and many cases aren’t found until they’ve progressed, because early changes are usually painless and easy to overlook. A professional oral cancer screening gives you the best chance of catching problems early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are far better.
At New Face Dentistry, our dental team performs a thorough, non-invasive oral cancer screening as part of your comprehensive exam. It takes just a few minutes, involves no needles or discomfort, and offers real peace of mind. Patients from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and across Atlanta trust us to look beyond their teeth and protect their overall health.
Book Your Oral Cancer ScreeningWho Should Be Screened for Oral Cancer?
Every adult benefits from regular oral cancer screenings, because oral cancer can affect people of any age, gender, or lifestyle. Screenings are especially important if you have one or more of these risk factors:
- Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and vaping
- Heavy alcohol use, particularly when combined with tobacco
- HPV infection, which is now a leading cause of cancers in the back of the throat
- Age over 40, although cases in younger adults are rising
- Frequent sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer
- A previous diagnosis of oral or head and neck cancer
- A weakened immune system or a family history of cancer
Even if you don’t have any risk factors, routine screenings are a simple, valuable part of protecting your long-term health.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Between dental visits, it’s helpful to know what changes to watch for. Call our Atlanta office if you notice any of the following symptoms lasting longer than two weeks:
- A sore, ulcer, or irritation in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth, lips, or neck
- Persistent pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Ongoing hoarseness, a sore throat, or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Ear pain on one side without a clear cause
- Teeth that become loose for no apparent reason
Many of these symptoms have harmless causes, but having them checked quickly is always the safest choice.
What Happens If We Find Something Unusual?
Finding an unusual spot during a screening doesn’t mean you have cancer. Most abnormal findings turn out to be harmless, caused by irritation, a minor injury, or an infection. Our team will explain what we see in clear terms and recommend the right next step.
In many cases, we’ll simply schedule a follow-up visit in about two weeks to see whether the area has healed on its own. If the spot remains or looks concerning, we’ll refer you to a trusted specialist for further evaluation, which may include a biopsy. Throughout the process, our team is here to answer your questions and help you feel supported.
Inside Your Oral Cancer Exam: What We Check and How
Our oral cancer screening is a careful, hands-on evaluation of the tissues in and around your mouth. It’s completely painless, and most patients barely notice it’s happening during their checkup. Here’s what our dental team examines:
Why Early Detection of Oral Cancer Matters
When oral cancer is found in its earliest stages, survival rates are significantly higher and treatment is often less extensive. Regular screenings help you:
- Catch changes before symptoms appear: Many early oral cancers cause no pain, so a trained eye is often the first line of defense.
- Identify precancerous tissue: Screenings can reveal abnormal patches that may turn into cancer if left untreated.
- Improve treatment outcomes: Early-stage cancers typically respond better to treatment and require less invasive care.
- Monitor changes over time: Consistent screenings let us compare your results from visit to visit and spot subtle differences.
- Gain peace of mind: Knowing your mouth, throat, and neck are healthy brings reassurance, especially if you have risk factors.
- Stay protected with no extra appointment: Your screening fits seamlessly into your routine checkup.
Oral Cancer Screenings Built Into Your Preventive Care
Oral cancer screenings are part of the comprehensive exams at New Face Dentistry, so there’s no separate appointment to remember. Pairing screenings with your dental cleaning and exam makes it easy to stay protected year after year.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover screenings as part of a routine exam. Our Smile Club membership also includes an oral cancer screening each year, along with exams, X-rays, and cleanings for patients without insurance.
Protect Your Health With an Oral Cancer Screening in Atlanta
A quick screening today could make all the difference tomorrow. Whether you’re due for a checkup or have noticed a change in your mouth, our dental team is here to help. We welcome patients from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and throughout Atlanta at our office at 700 Morosgo Dr NE, Suite J-100.
Call 404-262-9600 or request an appointment online to schedule your oral cancer screening.
Request an AppointmentFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam of your mouth, lips, throat, and neck to check for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. During the screening, our dental team looks for sores, patches, lumps, and other abnormalities, and gently feels your neck and jaw for swelling or enlarged lymph nodes. The exam is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. At New Face Dentistry in Atlanta, it’s included as part of your comprehensive dental exam.
Most adults should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, and many patients receive one at each routine checkup. If you use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, have HPV, or have a history of oral cancer, more frequent screenings may be recommended. Our team will suggest a schedule based on your personal risk factors. Consistent screenings make it easier to notice changes early.
No. An oral cancer screening is completely painless. It involves a visual inspection of your mouth and throat and a gentle hands-on check of your neck and jaw. There are no needles, no instruments that cause discomfort, and no recovery time. Most patients find it quick and easy.
A standard oral cancer screening usually takes just a few minutes. Because it’s performed during your routine exam at our Atlanta office, it doesn’t add much time to your appointment. If we notice anything that needs a closer look, we’ll explain our findings and next steps before you leave. You’ll never be left wondering about your results.
Early signs of oral cancer include sores that don’t heal within two weeks, red or white patches inside the mouth, lumps or thickened tissue, and unexplained numbness or pain. Some people also notice persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain on one side. Because early oral cancer is often painless, many people don’t realize anything is wrong. Regular screenings help catch these changes before they become serious.
People who use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, or have HPV face a higher risk of oral cancer. Other risk factors include being over age 40, frequent sun exposure to the lips, a weakened immune system, and a prior history of cancer. Men are diagnosed with oral cancer more often than women. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why screenings are recommended for all adults.
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol remain major risk factors, a growing number of oral and throat cancers are linked to HPV, which can affect nonsmokers and younger adults. Many of these patients have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. That’s why our dental team recommends regular oral cancer screenings for patients in Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Brookhaven, and across Atlanta, regardless of age or lifestyle.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings as part of a routine dental exam. Our Atlanta office accepts most PPO plans and will verify your benefits before your appointment. If you don’t have insurance, our Smile Club membership includes an annual oral cancer screening along with exams, X-rays, and cleanings. Our team is happy to explain your options.
If we notice an unusual spot, we’ll explain what we see and recommend the next step. Many findings are harmless and caused by irritation or minor injury, so we may schedule a follow-up in about two weeks to see if the area heals. If it doesn’t, or if it looks concerning, we’ll refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, which may include a biopsy. Early action gives you the best possible outcome.
