At Nautical Dental, your health and well-being are our top priorities, and that includes more than just caring for your teeth and gums. A healthy smile doesn’t stop at cavity prevention or keeping your gums in check—it also means staying vigilant when it comes to early signs of oral cancer. That’s why oral cancer screenings in San Antonio are an essential part of the comprehensive care we provide to you and your family.
Don’t wait to take charge of your health. Our team looks forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile while providing peace of mind with our thorough and compassionate care. At Nautical Dental, we pride ourselves on being your one-stop shop for high-quality dental care in San Antonio. From routine cleanings and preventive care to advanced treatments like dental implants and cosmetic procedures, we offer a wide range of services to meet all your oral health needs under one roof. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional care with the latest technology in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you’re here for a quick check-up or a complete smile makeover, we’re here to ensure your experience is seamless, personalized, and stress-free.
Schedule your next appointment with Nautical Dental today, and rest assured, knowing we’ve got your health—and your smile—covered.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. While it may not be the first thing on your mind during a dental visit, early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment. The reality is that oral cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages because its symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for less severe conditions. Regular screenings ensure we have the best chance of spotting potential issues early on—before they become more serious.
Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate. While factors like tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus), and prolonged sun exposure can increase your risk, oral cancer can affect anyone. That’s just one more reason why routine oral cancer screenings are a wise decision for every patient, no matter their age or lifestyle.
How Often Do We Recommend Oral Cancer Screenings?
At Nautical Dental, Dr. Cornelius’ recommends an oral cancer screening once a year as part of your routine dental check-up. However, the frequency may vary depending on your risk factors, such as your medical history, lifestyle habits, or family history of cancer. For patients with higher risk—like those who use tobacco or alcohol frequently, have had significant sun exposure, or have been diagnosed with HPV—we may suggest more frequent screenings to ensure timely detection of any changes. Routine screenings are a proactive way to safeguard your overall health, offering peace of mind and the best chance for early intervention if needed. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect During Your Screening
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening before, you might be wondering what’s involved. Don’t worry—it’s a simple, quick, and completely painless process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Visual Examination – We’ll examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. We look for any unusual discolorations, sores, or changes in the texture of the tissue.
- Physical Examination – Using gentle pressure on the tongue, we’ll check for lumps, swelling, or sensitive areas in your mouth.
- Specialized Tools (if needed) – Depending on what we see, we may use additional tools or lights to help spot any abnormalities that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These tools can highlight suspicious tissue, making it easier to identify anything that might warrant further investigation.
The entire screening only takes a few minutes, and because it’s a regular part of your check-up at Nautical Dental, there’s no need for extra appointments or lengthy procedures. It’s a seamless addition to your routine dental visit.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
While we’re here to keep a close eye on your oral health, it’s also important for you to be aware of potential warning signs of oral cancer. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
- Persistent sores in the mouth or on the lips that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or other areas of the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Hoarseness, sore throat, or a feeling like you have something stuck in your throat
- Unexplained ear pain
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have oral cancer—they could be caused by less serious issues. However, they’re always worth checking out for peace of mind.
Your Partner in Prevention
At Nautical Dental, we believe in taking a proactive approach to your oral health. Oral cancer screenings in San Antonio may seem like a small step, but they make a big difference. By integrating these screenings into your regular dental visits, we’re ensuring that we can catch potential issues as early as possible.
Prevention and early detection are key when it comes to oral cancer. When caught early, the survival rate is significantly higher, and treatment is often less invasive. That’s why we take the time to perform oral cancer screenings during your check-ups—it’s all part of creating a thorough, patient-centered care experience.
Why Choose Nautical Dental?
We know you have choices when it comes to dental care, so why should Nautical Dental be your trusted provider for Oral cancer screenings in San Antonio? It comes down to our commitment to you. Our team understands how important it is to feel heard, comfortable, and cared for when it comes to your health. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience a welcoming environment designed to put you at ease.
Our staff is highly trained and utilizes the latest technology to make your visit as effective and comfortable as possible. We stay at the cutting edge of dentistry to ensure we’re offering you quality care—including advanced tools for oral cancer detection when needed. We also offer an in-house membership plan to help you manage dental costs. But more than that, we treat you like family, and your health is as important to us as it is to you.
Oral Cancer Screenings in San Antonio
Remember, oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and could potentially save your life. Whether it’s been a while since your last dental check-up or you’re a new patient seeking a trusted provider, Nautical Dental is here for you. We make scheduling easy—schedule your appointment with Dr. Eric Cornelius today!
At Nautical Dental, we’re proud to offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our expertise spans everything from orthodontics to dental implants, ensuring your smile is both healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, replace missing ones, or address a dental emergency, we’ve got you covered. Our services also include preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative treatments, all delivered with the highest level of professionalism and care. No matter your dental goals or challenges, our dedicated team is here to provide personalized solutions, helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.