Screenings prevent and reduce your risk of oral cancer and support early detection
At All Smiles Dental Studio, we help individuals in and around Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe, California, get and stay “all smiles” with our healthy and inviting blend of compassionate and cutting-edge care. Routine visits to our office in Encinitas are fundamental to our team’s approach to dentistry. Our dentist, Dr. Shahrokh, conducts oral cancer screenings as a routine part of every initial comprehensive exam and every recall exam. Our gentle, friendly, and skilled dental hygienists also help to manage your risks of developing conditions such as dental decay, gum disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancers.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancers
Oral cancers refer to cancers of the mouth (oral cavity) and throat (oropharynx). Not unlike other cancers, oral and oropharyngeal cancers can be more easily and successfully treated when detected and treated early. Early-stage cancers are localized; they have not spread to other parts of the mouth, face, lymph nodes, head, neck, or distant organs and tissues.
Additionally, partnering with our team can minimize the risk of developing these cancers. During regular visits (dental check-ups), we can pinpoint and discuss your risk factors. Certain behaviors or traits put you at heightened risk, including the use of any products that contain tobacco, heavy consumption of alcohol, poor nutrition, and being overweight. Also, exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays or tanning beds makes you more vulnerable to oral cancer of the lip. Identifying these and other risks is the first step toward developing a plan to minimize or eliminate them.
What to expect
Dr. Shahrokh assesses your mouth, head, and neck during your check-up. He uses his keen eye and knowledge to identify potential problems or issues. He also performs a tactile check (by touch) to detect abnormalities. He may order x-rays or other imaging tools to capture images and insights into areas that are not visible or hard to see. It is also important to share with Dr. Shahrokh any changes to your health and life that could affect your oral health.
When Dr. Shahrokh screens for signs of mouth and throat cancers, he is mindful of potential red flags like lesions, lumps, and discolored patches of tissue. Be sure to share any changes you have noticed with your doctor, such as a persistent sore throat or sores that fail to heal. Screenings provide peace of mind; any issues that are found are addressed as soon as possible. In those rare cases where trouble signs are found, we refer our patients to some of the area’s top specialists. They can confirm the presence and stage of cancer and get you on the road to health.
Check-ups are scheduled mainly once every six months. Patients with risk factors will visit us more frequently. Call (760) 232-8878 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shahrokh at All Smiles Dental Studio in Encinitas, CA.
Dr. Ali Shahrokh, a distinguished graduate in Chemistry from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, brings over a decade of expertise to his dental practice in San Diego. Committed to improving oral health and well-being of his patients, he utilizes advanced procedures and equipment in a serene dental studio. Dr. Shahrokh's dedication to excellence and extensive experience makes him a trusted authority in the field, providing cutting-edge dental care to his patients.
