At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we believe that great dental care is about more than keeping your teeth clean and healthy—it’s also about protecting your overall well-being. One of the simplest and most powerful ways we do this is through oral cancer screenings. This quick, painless exam is part of every routine visit in our Marietta dental office and helps us detect early changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Dr. Sanjay Patel, DMD, and our team approach oral cancer screening as a vital part of preventive dentistry. By taking a few extra minutes during your regular exam, we can identify small concerns early—when they’re most treatable—and give you peace of mind about your oral health.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Oral cancer often develops without obvious pain or symptoms at first. Because early signs are subtle, many patients are unaware that anything is wrong until the condition has progressed. That’s why screenings during your regular general dentistry appointments are so important.
Detecting tissue changes early can make a tremendous difference in outcomes and treatment options. An oral cancer screening in Marietta is quick, comfortable, and noninvasive—but its impact can be lifesaving. We believe prevention is always better than reaction, and that philosophy drives everything we do.
What Oral Cancer Screening Is
An oral cancer screening is a comprehensive evaluation of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat. It’s designed to look for early signs of abnormal tissue, discoloration, or other irregularities that may indicate a problem.
During your visit, Dr. Patel performs a visual and tactile (touch-based) assessment to check for anything unusual. Most screenings take less than five minutes and are incorporated naturally into your routine exam and cleaning.
What We Check During Your Exam
We follow a careful, step-by-step process to ensure that no area is overlooked. You’ll know exactly what we’re examining and why—because we believe informed patients are more confident patients.
Soft-Tissue and Lymph Node Checks
We begin with a gentle inspection of your soft tissues and nearby lymph nodes. This helps us identify any unusual lumps, swelling, or texture changes that might require follow-up.
Areas we examine include:
- Lips and inner cheeks
- Gums and surrounding soft tissue
- The top, sides, and underside of your tongue
- The floor of the mouth and roof of the mouth (palate)
- The back of the throat and sides of the neck
We may also gently feel along your jawline and under your chin to check for enlarged or tender lymph nodes, which can sometimes signal inflammation or infection.
Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors can increase risk. We review your health and lifestyle to understand your personal risk profile and help you manage it effectively.
Common risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, vaping, or smokeless tobacco)
- Frequent or heavy alcohol use
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- Family history of oral or head-and-neck cancers
- Excessive sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
We also explain early warning signs that should prompt a call to our office, such as:
- Sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Persistent numbness, bleeding, or soreness
- Difficulty swallowing or changes in your voice
- Lumps, thickened tissue, or new growths
How Screening Fits Into Preventive Dental Care
At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, prevention is the foundation of lifelong health. That’s why oral cancer screenings are seamlessly included in every general dentistry visit. This continuity allows us to monitor your oral tissues over time and spot subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
We document our findings at each appointment so that we can compare them at future visits, creating a clear and personalized record of your oral health.
Who Should Be Screened and How Often
Everyone—regardless of age or risk level—benefits from regular oral cancer screenings. Most patients are screened twice a year during their routine cleanings and exams. However, if you have known risk factors or an area we’re monitoring, we may recommend more frequent checks.
For example:
- Patients who use tobacco or alcohol may benefit from screenings every three to four months
- Those with a previous suspicious lesion may be re-evaluated after a short follow-up interval
- All adults, regardless of habits, should receive a screening at least annually
These short, preventive exams can help detect abnormalities long before they become serious concerns.
What Happens If We See Something Suspicious
Finding something “suspicious” doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Most tissue changes are harmless, but we take every precaution to ensure your safety.
If we notice an area that looks unusual, we will:
- Take a detailed photo or note its exact location
- Explain our findings clearly and answer your questions
- Recheck the area after 10–14 days if appropriate
- Refer you to an oral surgeon or ENT specialist if the site needs closer examination or biopsy
Our goal is to act quickly but calmly, ensuring that you always understand the reasoning behind each recommendation.
How We Personalize Screening
Every patient deserves individualized attention. Dr. Sanjay Patel, DMD, integrates oral cancer screening into a comprehensive care model that goes beyond “just checking for cavities.” By evaluating your bite, gum health, and soft tissues together, we gain a thorough understanding of your oral wellness.
You’ll always have time to ask questions, discuss your findings, and learn how your dental health connects to your overall well-being. Our approach is calm, informative, and centered on your comfort and well-being.
Supporting Comfort: If You Feel Anxious About Dental Visits
We understand that some patients may feel nervous about dental visits, especially when exams involve new procedures. Our team makes every effort to help you feel relaxed and supported. For patients who need extra comfort, we offer sedation dentistry to ease anxiety during longer or more involved appointments.
Sedation options are tailored to your individual medical history and preferences. You’ll remain safe, comfortable, and in control throughout your visit.
At-Home Self-Checks and When to Call
Between professional visits, it’s a good habit to do quick self-checks in front of a mirror once a month. This helps you become familiar with your normal oral anatomy, so you can spot any changes early.
Look for:
- Persistent sores, bumps, or patches
- Red or white discoloration
- Unexplained swelling or bleeding
- Areas that feel rough, thick, or tender
If something looks or feels unusual and doesn’t improve within two weeks, contact our office for an evaluation. It’s always better to be proactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients have questions about oral cancer screening and what to expect. Below are clear, straightforward answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear during visits.
How Oral Cancer Screening Fits into Comprehensive Dental Health
Oral cancer screening is one of the simplest ways to protect not only your mouth but your overall health. It reflects our commitment to total patient care—addressing function, comfort, and wellness together.
We perform these screenings as part of every preventive visit and encourage you to maintain your regular check-ups. If it’s been a while since your last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule one.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Oral Health
Protecting your smile means caring for every part of your mouth—including the soft tissues that can reveal early signs of disease. At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Sanjay Patel and our caring team are here to make that process easy, educational, and comfortable.
If you’re due for your next exam—or if you’ve noticed a sore or spot that hasn’t healed—schedule your visit today by calling us at (770) 578-1331. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy, confident, and protected for years to come.
