What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer exam is a short check of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat for anything unusual, like sores that won't heal, discoloration, or lumps. It's non-invasive, with no needles or scans involved. Dr. Nelson looks and gently feels the soft tissue in your mouth. Think of it as one more layer of protection built into the general dentistry care you already trust him for.
What Dr. Nelson Looks For During the Exam
Dr. Nelson checks your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and the back of your throat. He's looking for red or white patches, sores that linger longer than two weeks, unusual lumps, or areas that feel different to the touch. Most of the time, everything looks healthy. When something looks worth watching, he'll explain it clearly and talk through next steps together, no jargon involved.
How Long Does an Oral Cancer Screening Take?
The screening itself usually takes just a couple of minutes. Because it's built into your regular cleanings and exams, it doesn't add real time to your visit or require you to come in separately.