Oral Cancer Screenings and Surgery

Oral cancer may not be as well known as other forms of cancer, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Oral cancer screenings are vital to detect any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth before they progress to an advanced stage of the disease. An oral cancer screening is a quick procedure that involves visual and touch examinations to assess the inside of your mouth. Some dentists use additional tests, such as dye or ultraviolet light. If your dentist discovers any abnormal lesions, a small tissue sample can be collected and sent to the lab for more thorough testing.

Risks and Signs of Oral Cancer

Some people have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, sometimes at no fault of their own. Causes of oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and vaping
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Family history of cancer
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Significant sun exposure
  • Poor diet

There are certain symptoms and signs of oral cancer to look for. Some of these include:

  • Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
  • A lump, thickening, or rough spot
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Surgical Treatment of Oral Cancer

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with oral cancer, there are several treatment options available to you. These include:

  • Glossectomy: The removal of partial or larger portions of the tongue
  • Mandibulectomy: The partial removal of the jawbone when a tumor is too close or attached to the bone
  • Maxillectomy: The removal of the bones that make up the hard palate or nasal sinuses
  • Reconstructive surgery: The transplantation of tissue from one area in your body, such as your forearm, thigh, or abdomen, to the affected area of your mouth
  • Dental implants: An additional procedure that can be done during certain mouth surgeries, so that a separate surgery is not required
  • Lymph node removal: Oral cancers often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and can be removed during oral surgery. The purpose of this removal is to reduce the chance of the cancer returning in the future. Lymph node removal is commonly recommended for cancers that infect the tongue, floor of the mouth, or lower gums.

Talk to your dentist today about scheduling routine oral cancer screenings. You will have the best chance for a full recovery if oral cancer is detected early.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I love all the ladies at the reception, my hygienist and Dr. Mitera."
    Snezana
  • "I always have a very positive experience. The staff is so nice and helpful. I would recommend this office to anyone."
    Judy
  • "Always a pleasant experience!! Professional, and concerned about comfort always ..."
    Beth
  • "Staff is wonderful and assisted very well to my teeth problems. As new patient I am hoping I am hoping to continue to get great care."
    Jeffrey
  • "Excellent"
    Camilla
  • "Everything went well! I was called in because there was an available slot open. So the rescheduling worked out well for all."
    Leonard
  • "Front office is always warm and welcoming. Erin is thorough and gentle, always professional."
    Claudia
  • "Always efficient and pleasant."
    Kathleen
  • "Always very friendly and professional staff, and I am very happy with the excellent dental care I receive."
    Christine
  • "Everyone is so friendly! The dentist took his time and was very patient with me!!"
    Julie
  • "Everyone is very professional, from the front desk to the hygienist. Very clean and pleasant environment. It was my first visit with the new hygienist, she was great, pleasant and very efficient."
    Carol
  • "I have been a patient for >30 years. Dr. Mitera is extremely gentle, and the rapport he has with his dental assistants/techs is terrific. The office personnel have been there for >20 years and are personable and professional."
    Kimberly
  • "Best Dental practice I've ever experienced. I've recommended it to everyone I know. Love the staff and the care I receive!! Thank you, Dr. Young!"
    Cori
  • "This was my first visit and I was very pleased with Dr. Roberts and her staff. Dr. Roberts is friendly but yet professional during my examination. I felt very comfortable and at ease by her and the staff I am so glad to be a patient and look forward to future appointments."
    Mary
  • "Clean and efficient. Professional yet personal. Everyone I've met seems to enjoy being there and helping their patients. Very happy to be able to receive my dental care at Ludlow Family Dentistry."
    David
  • "Our family continues to get a great care and service at Ludlow Family Dentistry. The doctors and entire staff are professional, thoughtful and caring."
    Stephen
  • "Professional, courteous service with a smile!"
    Stanley
  • "I have always felt (and even more so since the COVID pandemic) that the facility is meticulously clean and that Dr. Roberts and my hygienist, Chris have my safety and health foremost in their efforts. Thank you, all!"
    Janvier
  • "Always a pleasure! Professional, personal, quality work all-around. Thank You all!"
    Robert
  • "Ludlow Family Dentistry always make me fell welcome and comfortable. I trust their caring, friendly, and highly skilled staff for my dental needs. I wholeheartedly recommend this place."
    Cathy