Oral Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Regular Exams
A subtle but dangerous health risk, oral cancer frequently goes undetected until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Increasing awareness of prevention and early diagnosis is essential, as the United States diagnoses more than 58,000 new instances of oral and oropharyngeal cancer each year. Our goal at Kim Dental Implants is to empower our patients to take charge of their oral health by providing them with sophisticated dental implants in Lakewood, ensuring the preservation of natural teeth, and offering specialized treatments for the upper jaw, alongside routine screenings.
The Significance of Oral Cancer Screenings
An essential part of preventive dental care is routine screenings for oral cancer. During routine examinations, dentists are in a unique position to identify early indicators of oral cancer. To find anomalies like sores, tumors, or discolored patches, these screens entail a visual and tactile assessment of the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues.
Early detection of oral cancer is crucial, as it is highly treatable in its early stages and significantly improves treatment outcomes. For patients undergoing high-risk dental implants or dental implant surgery, it becomes even more critical, as undiagnosed oral health issues can sometimes lead to implant failure.
Watch out for the following symptoms:
- Chronic lumps or sores in the mouth
- White or red spots in the mouth
- Swallowing difficulties or persistent throat pain
- Changes in voice or inexplicable weight loss
Make an appointment with your Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, right away if any of these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
You can take preventative action if you are aware of your risk factors. Among the key contributors are:
- Use of tobacco (chewing or smoking)
- Overindulgence in alcohol
- Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Extended exposure to the sun (for lip cancer)
- Persistent inflammation of the oral tissues, poor oral hygiene, or issues along the gum line.
Routine dental exams with a dental professional, combined with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, will significantly lower your risk. For those seeking treatment options, early detection and prevention are key to maintaining oral health and preventing further complications.
The Benefits of Dental Implants for Oral Health
Dental implants are a life-changing option for people who have lost teeth as a result of trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. By halting bone loss and maintaining facial structure, they contribute to dental health maintenance in addition to restoring your smile and self-esteem. The procedure involves carefully placing an implant into the tooth root area, ensuring a secure and natural fit.
At Kim Dental Implants with Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we customize every implant treatment to meet your specific needs. Our team integrates regular oral cancer screenings into the dental implant procedure to prioritize your safety and long-term well-being. We work closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure the highest standard of care. Numerous studies have confirmed that dental implants are safe and effective when placed by qualified specialists, despite some investigations into possible connections between implants and mouth cancer.
Learn more about: Our Implant Services
Set Up Your Screening Today!
April’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder to prioritize your health. Let Dr. Kevin Kim partner with you to achieve optimal oral health, whether you’re considering dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, or simply need a routine checkup. We also emphasize the importance of monitoring for head and neck cancer during routine screenings.
Give us a call right now at 253-398-9122 to arrange your dental implant consultation or oral cancer screening! By working together, we can preserve your future health and smile.