Our oral cancer screenings in the 34135 area allow us to identify potential issues early on while they're still easily treatable.

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Oral Cancer Screening in Bonita Springs, FL

Patient in dental chair getting oral cancer screening in Bonita Springs, FL According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 50,000 cases of oral or pharyngeal (the passageways from the nose and throat) cancer are diagnosed in America each year. Worldwide, the problem is much greater, with over 450,000 new cases being found each year.

Oral Cancer Screenings Are Essential

Unfortunately, the mortality rate associated with oral cancer is high, not because it’s difficult to detect or diagnose, but because the cancer is often not discovered until late in its development. At Bonita Grande Dental, every dental exam involves a comprehensive oral cancer screening. This is the most effective way to detect potential problems before they become life-threatening.

An oral cancer screening is a simple process and nothing to be afraid of. Dr. Gostigian will examine your teeth, lips, and gums for any signs of abnormalities. Because we care about your complete safety and well-being, we use a piece of equipment called a Velscope. This is an effective device that helps us see cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions long before they’re detectable during a visual inspection. For instance, what looks like a normal white spot to you may be identified as pre-cancerous. Early oral cancer screening may increase the survivability rate to as much as 90 percent.

The major risk factors for oral and pharyngeal cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), these account for almost 75% of all oral and pharyngeal cancer in the US. As you might guess, the risk increases with higher consumption. A heavy drinker who also smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day is 24 times more likely to develop oral cancer than people who do not use either substance.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Couple walking on the beach at Bonita Beach Park In many instances, a patient can have symptoms of oral cancer and not realize it. Some signs you should look for are:

A sore in your mouth that won’t heal
A red or white patch on the gums or mouth that doesn’t go away
A chronic sore throat
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
A feeling of numbness on your tongue or other parts of your mouth
Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
Changes in your voice
A lump or mass in your neck

Call Our Dentist Office in Bonita Springs, FL Today!

It’s critical to schedule regular checkups and cleanings at Bonita Grande Dental because abnormal tissue that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous can appear to be completely normal to the untrained eye.

Unfortunately, the rate of oral cancer rates also increases among patients who have no known risk factors such as heavy drinking, smoking, or family history. This fact alone makes it more critical than ever to be screened for oral cancer during every semi-annual exam. Give our office a call today at (239) 301-2713 to schedule your next dental exam!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup?

Without knowing you and understanding your oral health history, it’s difficult to say how often you should schedule visits to our dentist office. This is a decision that needs to be made between you, Dr. Gostigian, and our hygienist. For many patients, however, twice a year is sufficient.

Dr. Gostigian and our team are trained to detect and treat many problems before you’re even aware of them. With semi-annual dental visits in Bonita Springs, we can catch decay and gum disease in their earliest stages.

Bonita Grande Dental Prioritizes Healthy Teeth and Gums

The goal is to prevent disease, decay, and tooth loss from occurring. It’s obviously preferable to stay current with your dental treatment and avoid having to worry about unexpected problems sneaking up on you. We’re here to help you, but you need to do your part by maintaining regular visits to our Bonita Springs office.

During each checkup, we’ll look for signs of decay and disease that may have developed since your last visit. If necessary, we’ll take digital x-rays to make sure we have the most current information on hand. Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we can make recommendations about any treatment we think may be necessary.

Is it time for you to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam? Give Bonita Grande Dental a call at (239) 301-2713 , and we’ll get you set up for your next appointment.

Our office is located in the Bonita Grande Crossing shopping center next to Publix. We look forward to seeing you at Bonita Grande Dental soon!

Why is early detection of oral cancer so critical?

Early detection of oral cancer can be life-saving. Like many cancers, oral cancer is far easier to treat and has a much higher survival rate when it’s caught in its early stages. Unfortunately, because it often starts out silently, with few or no symptoms, it can go unnoticed until it becomes more serious.

When detected early, treatment for oral cancer is often less invasive and more effective, with better outcomes and quicker recovery. But when left undiagnosed, it can spread to other parts of the body and become much more difficult to manage.

That’s why regular dental checkups at Bonita Grande Dental are so important. Our Bonita Springs dentists can spot the subtle signs of oral cancer, such as:

Unusual sores
Persistent hoarseness
Red or white patches
Lumps in the mouth, throat, or neck

These routine screenings can be done quickly during your exam and could make a major difference in your health.

Oral Cancer Screenings in Bonita Springs, FL

Early detection can mean the difference between a simple treatment and a serious fight. So please don’t skip those dental visits! If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, give us a call at (239) 301-2713.

We're conveniently located and have various payment options to make dental care more accessible for everyone.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Michael Gostigian DMD

Dr. Michael Gostigian graduated with honors from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He went on to attend Nova Southeastern University where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Degree. Dr. Gostigian was born in New York and grew up in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Gostigian comes from a family of healthcare professionals, and their example inspired him to help others. As an entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinker, Dr. Gostigian was motivated to open his own dental practice, focusing on upscale, personalized dental care ...

Featured Blog Posts - Oral Cancer Screening

November 9, 2024

Oral Cancer Screening for Non-Smokers

regular dental check-up of a woman in Bonita Springs, FL

Smoking increases your oral cancer risks, but it is not the only risk factor, which is why everyone should screen regularly with their dentist.

We perform oral cancer screenings in Bonita Springs, FL, at your preventive checkup and teeth cleaning, which allows the dentist to diagnose the condition early. Early detection typically means a more successful outcome.

Your preventive checkup includes:

A dental exam
A teeth cleaning
An oral cancer screening
Periodic x-rays

Do Non-Smokers Need Regular Oral Cancer Screenings?

Yes, even if you don’t smoke, it’s vital to have regular oral cancer screenings. There are ...

February 22, 2022

Let’s Avoid Oral Cancer – What You Should Know

bonita springs dentist performing an oral cancer screening

In the healthcare community, the c-word means only one thing: cancer. For those living in the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death, which many people know. However, most people don’t know that oral cancer is the most common form found in a person’s head or neck. So while brain cancer sounds frightening, you’re more likely to develop cancer in your mouth or gum tissues.

This is why your oral cancer screenings with your dentist in Bonita Springs, FL, are so important. The National Cancer Institute agrees: ...

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