Examinations

Examinations

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

At Mount Vista Family Dental in Vancouver, WA, Dr. Hiller will include a thorough oral cancer screening, including a VizLite scan, during your comprehensive examination.

Your mouth is part of the oral cavity, which also includes your lips, cheek lining, gums, the front part of your tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the hard palate (roof of your mouth). The throat (pharynx) starts at the soft part of the roof of your mouth and continues back into your throat. It includes the back section of your tongue as well as the base where the tongue attaches to the floor of your mouth.

During your visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS INCLUDE

  • Gum disease screening
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Visual tooth decay evaluation
  • Gum pocket measurement and tracking
  • X-ray examination to detect: tooth decay, cysts, tumors, problems below the gums, and other hidden issues

Many oral health issues can be identified and resolved at the early stages, helping you to avoid more costly treatment later. In some cases, early detection of serious conditions even helps save lives.

When you come in for a visit, our comprehensive screening evaluates you for gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. These can afflict children, too, making it important at all stages of life to maintain regular dental examinations.

SYMPTOMS OF MOUTH OR THROAT CANCER

  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • A thick or hard spot or lump
  • Roughened or crusted area
  • Numbness, pain, or tenderness
  • Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
Examinations at Mount Vista Family Dental in Vancouver WA

Make sure to tell Dr. Hiller about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw. Contact us with questions or to request an appointment with us if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.