1011 E Prescott Rd
Salina, KS 67401
DENTAL SERVICES
Oral Cancer Screenings & Oral Medicine
About Oral Cancer Screenings
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 59,600 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. This includes cancers that occur in the mouth itself (salivary gland cancers, tongue cancers, mucosal soft tissue cancers), in the very back of the mouth known as the oropharynx (primarily the tonsils, tonsillar crypts, and the base of tongue), and on the exterior lips of the mouth.
Scheduling a professional oral cancer exam is a wise choice. As a silently progressing disease with few early symptoms, oral cancer can be easily missed until it has advanced. As a result, more than 7000 lives are lost annually to oral cancer, many of which could have been saved through early detection and proper treatment.
Oral Cancer FAQs
Follow-Up After Oral Cancer Exam
If Dr. Moeller discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, he may recommend:
Follow-Up Visit
Dr. Moeller will request that you schedule a follow-up visit to see whether the abnormal area is still present and to note whether it has grown or changed over time.
Biopsy Procedure
If there is a concern, a biopsy procedure will be scheduled to remove a sample of cells for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present.
During an in-office oral exam, Dr. Moeller checks for oral cancer by performing a physical examination of the entire oral cavity – specifically soft oral tissues like the linings of cheeks and lips, along with the tongue. Often, suspicious tissue that could be cancerous appears discolored, and lesions can feel bumpy and lumpy. Intraoral cameras and lighting can also be used to examine tissue as thoroughly as possible.
Risk factors are a key topic in discussions about who should be screened for oral cancer. There are two main pathways through which most people develop oral and oropharyngeal cancer. One involves the use of tobacco and alcohol, a longstanding cause, and the other involves exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papillomavirus type 16). Additional lifestyle risk factors include heavy alcohol use or a history of significant sun exposure. Any of these factors may lead Dr. Moeller to recommend a screening.
Although there are known risk factors, the Mayo Clinic has stated that oral cancer cases have been increasing in recent years, while the reasons for that are not yet clear. Therefore, oral cancer screenings may become increasingly important for more patients, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Help For Burning Mouth Syndrome in Salina, KS
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) causes pain that feels like you burned your mouth with a hot drink or scalding food, but there are no signs of damage to the inside of your mouth, and there’s no known trigger for the burning sensation. This syndrome is also known as glossodynia.
Dr. Moeller will check for conditions that may be causing your pain, like dry mouth, oral thrush, or mouth sores. He can also look for signs that you grind your teeth or have other oral habits that may lead to a painful mouth.
Treatment For Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome can be caused by grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Dr. Moeller can recommend a custom mouthguard to help you manage your oral habits and relieve your pain. A single treatment or a combination of treatments may be necessary to help improve burning mouth syndrome.
About Oral Medicine Exams
At Great Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Moeller offers comprehensive periodontal medicine examinations to help patients maintain optimal oral health. A periodontal examination is a specialized dental assessment focused on the health of your gums and the structures that support your teeth.
Unlike a routine dental exam, a periodontal oral medicine exam is a specialized, in-depth assessment focusing on gum health, supporting bone structure, and oral tissues, to detect any signs of disease or abnormalities. These exams, recommended annually, include probing pocket depths, checking for gum inflammation, measuring recession, and taking x-rays to evaluate bone loss.
Desquamative Gingivitis Disease
Included in the medicine exam, Dr. Moeller will assess for signs of desquamative gingivitis. This disease is characterized by chronic, painful, bright-red, peeling, or blistered gums.
Desquamative disease is not a specific disease, but a manifestation of underlying autoimmune, mucocutaneous, or systemic diseases.
