Oral cancer screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings

Detecting Health Concerns Early On

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we prioritize not only your smile appearance, but also your entire oral health with oral cancer screenings. This exam is done by one of our skilled dentists during your routine dental exam and cleaning. The purpose of this screening is to detect any signs of oral cancer early on when treatment is likely to be more effective. We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care with an emphasis on early detection and prevention, so you can have peace of mind and confidence in your health.

What Are Oral Cancer Screenings?

Oral cancer is most common in adults who are 60 and older, but can impact young people too. In fact, 1 in 5 adults under the age of 55 have oral cancer according to the American Cancer Society. At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we believe that early detection is critical, and a quick oral cancer screening during your routine dental exam with us can make a big difference in your health!

This screening is an essential part of what we do for your preventative oral health care. It only takes a couple of minutes, but during that time, your dentist will take a look at your mouth, tongue, gums and cheeks for any signs of oral cancer. Catching it early on when treatment has better outcomes is especially important so it can be removed before it spreads.

Who Should Get An Oral Cancer Screening?

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we perform oral cancer screenings on all of our patients since cancer can affect anyone. We truly act as partners in your health and genuinely care about your well-being. If you have certain risk factors, you may consider getting screened more often. Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol heavily
  • A family history of oral cancer
  • Lots of sun exposure

What To Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we take the time to explain every step of your treatment with us in a way that you can understand. We want our patients to feel informed and confident about the care they are receiving, including with your oral cancer screenings. Your comfort and trust are a top priority for our team, and we strive to make this part of your exam stress free!

Dr. Khalil, Dr. Han, Dr. Malik, or Dr. Merlo will begin by taking a look at your mouth, gums, cheek, lips, tongue and soft tissues for any signs of mouth cancer. Things we are looking for include lesions, discoloration, white or red patches. We may also gently push on your lymph nodes for swelling.

We will take digital dental X-rays using our advanced technology in order to keep you comfortable while we capture pictures of your oral cavity.

If we notice anything unusual during your exam, we might do a quick and easy test—like a brush test—to collect some cells from the area of concern. These cells are then sent to a lab for closer analysis. If the results suggest anything out of the ordinary, we may recommend a biopsy just to get a clearer picture and ensure everything is okay.

Our team will go over any findings with you and answer any questions you have. Patient education is important to us, and we want you to feel empowered about your decisions every step of the way.

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Prioritizing Your Overall Health At Ashburn Dentistry By Design

We understand talking about cancer may be unsettling, but our team is here to help support you and guide you toward better oral health and overall wellness. If you have any questions about oral cancer screenings, please do not hesitate to ask our friendly team at your upcoming visit. Contact us today to schedule your routine oral hygiene visit by filling out our online form or give us a call at (703) 723-9909.

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Confident Smiles.

Compassionate Care.

Experience the difference at Ashburn Dentistry by Design—where your smile and comfort come first. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be treated like family in an environment designed to ease dental anxiety and build lasting relationships. Our experienced team offers comprehensive care for all ages, combining advanced technology with a personal touch to ensure every treatment exceeds your expectations. Don’t wait—request your appointment today and discover why so many in Ashburn trust us with their smiles!

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Delivering Healthy Smiles to All of Ashburn, VA

20905 Professional Plaza, Suite 210, Ashburn, VA 20147

Phone: (703) 723-9909