Oral Cancer Screenings in Plano, TX
Catch the Warning Signs Early—Your Health Depends on It
At Stonebriar Smile Design in Plano, we include oral cancer screenings as a vital part of your regular dental care. While most patients think of checkups as a way to protect teeth and gums, they also offer an important opportunity to spot early signs of oral cancer—before symptoms become serious. Around 50,000 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and unfortunately, many are diagnosed too late. That’s why we screen for it routinely. Our team examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for anything unusual, using modern technology to help detect warning signs as early as possible.
If we identify anything concerning, we partner with a trusted dental oncology specialist to guide you through the next steps.
What Is Oral Cancer—and Who’s at Risk?
Oral cancer affects the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, and tonsils. While anyone can develop it, certain factors significantly raise your risk, such as:
Why Routine Screenings Matter
Oral cancer isn’t always on people’s radar—and that’s part of the problem. Because it’s not commonly discussed, many patients don’t realize they should be screened. As a result, many cases aren’t diagnosed until the cancer has progressed or spread.
Regular screenings give us the best chance of catching abnormal cells early, when treatment is most effective. In fact, research suggests up to 80% of oral cancer cases could be detected early with routine dental visits.
What to Expect During a Screening
Your oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and part of your regular visit. During the screening, we’ll examine your mouth and surrounding areas while discussing your health history and any changes you’ve noticed. We’ll look for signs such as:
How Often Should You Be Screened?
We recommend getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year, typically during your routine checkup. If you notice any symptoms in between visits, don’t wait—contact us right away to schedule an exam.
