Oral Cancer Screening in Edina, MN
Oral Cancer Screening Near You
Changes in the tissues of the mouth can sometimes develop without causing pain or other obvious symptoms. At 66th Street Dental, we provide oral cancer screening in Edina, MN, as part of a careful evaluation of the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and other oral tissues.
Including this check in a routine dental visit makes it easier to monitor areas that may be difficult to see on your own. If you are looking for oral cancer screening near you, our office is conveniently located at 6600 France Avenue South, across from Southdale Center, with ample on-site parking.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination used to look for unusual changes in and around the mouth.These may include sores that have not healed, red or white patches, lumps, thickened tissue, or other areas that appear different from the surrounding tissue.
A screening cannot diagnose oral cancer. Most unusual areas are not cancerous, but a finding that does not resolve or has concerning features may need to be monitored or evaluated further.
If you are looking for a dentist near you for an oral cancer screening, our team can examine your oral tissues and explain whether any area requires follow-up.
Who Might Benefit From an Oral Cancer Screening?
Regular screening can be appropriate for adults of different ages and health backgrounds. It may be especially important if you:
Use tobacco
Drink alcohol frequently
Have a history of prolonged sun exposure
Have previously had an unusual oral lesion
Notice a sore that does not heal
Have a persistent lump or thickened area
Develop an unexplained red or white patch
Experience ongoing hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
These signs can have many causes, but they should not be ignored when they persist. If you are unsure whether a change in your mouth needs attention, visit our dentist in Edina, MN, for an examination.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening?
Screening provides an opportunity to examine areas that may not be noticeable during daily brushing or flossing. Potential benefits include:
Identifying unusual changes
A careful examination may reveal sores, patches, lumps, or other differences in the tissues.
Monitoring existing areas
Findings can be documented and compared at future visits when appropriate.
Supporting earlier evaluation
A persistent or suspicious area can be referred for further assessment without unnecessary delay.
Reviewing personal risk factors
Your health history and habits can help guide follow-up recommendations.
Providing professional guidance
We can explain which changes appear minor and which may require closer attention.
Encouraging awareness
Screening can help you become more familiar with symptoms that should be reported.
If you are looking for oral cancer screening near you, we provide a careful examination and straightforward guidance based on what we observe.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
The screening is usually brief and can often be completed during a routine dental exam. We generally follow these steps when providing oral cancer screening in Edina, MN:
Reviewing your history
We ask about symptoms, previous findings, tobacco or alcohol use, and other relevant health factors.
Examining the lips
We look for sores, discoloration, crusting, or other visible changes.
Checking the soft tissues
We inspect the cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat.
Looking beneath the tongue
We gently move the tongue when needed to view areas that are difficult to see.
Feeling for changes
We may gently examine the tissues of the mouth, jaw, and neck for lumps, firmness, or tenderness.
Discussing the findings
We explain whether the tissues appear healthy or whether an area should be monitored.
Recommending follow-up
If a change requires further attention, we discuss the appropriate next step.
A screening does not involve removing tissue. A separate evaluation may be needed if an area remains unusual or has features that require additional investigation.
Why Choose 66th Street Dental for Oral Cancer Screening?
Preventive dental care includes paying attention to the health of the entire mouth, not only the teeth. At 66th Street Dental, we approach screenings carefully and explain our observations without causing unnecessary alarm. When you choose our team for oral cancer screening near you, you can expect:
Attentive evaluations
We examine the visible oral tissues and ask about changes you may have noticed.
Clear communication
We explain our findings and discuss when monitoring or further evaluation may be appropriate.
Comprehensive dentistry
We provide preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and family dental care in one practice.
A modern facility
Our office is located in a newer professional building with a comfortable, refined setting.
Convenient access
We are across from Southdale Center and offer a large parking lot.
Continuity and personal care
We value existing patient relationships and remain committed to the familiar, welcoming experience patients appreciate throughout the transition to 66th Street Dental.
An oral surgeon is also located within the same building, which may make coordination more convenient when a surgical consultation is appropriate.
Include Screening in Your Preventive Care
A brief examination of the oral tissues can provide useful information about changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. At 66th Street Dental, we offer oral cancer screening in Edina, MN, to help monitor your oral health as part of your ongoing preventive care.
Tell us about any sore, patch, lump, or other change you have noticed, even if it is not painful. Call us today to schedule your dental examination.
FAQs
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
The appropriate frequency depends on your age, health history, risk factors, and previous findings. Screening is commonly included as part of a routine dental examination.
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No. It generally involves a gentle visual and physical examination of the mouth, jaw, and neck.
Does an unusual spot mean I have oral cancer?
No. Many oral changes have harmless or temporary causes. However, an area that persists or appears concerning may need to be monitored or evaluated further.
Can oral cancer develop without causing pain?
Yes. Some changes may not cause pain during their early stages, which is one reason routine examinations and awareness of persistent symptoms are important.
Do I need to prepare for the screening?
No special preparation is required. Let us know about any recent sores, lumps, swallowing difficulties, voice changes, or other symptoms before the examination.