St Petersburg Oral Cancer Screening

Healthy Mouth Checkup

If oral cancer is undiagnosed and develops into an advanced state, one could lose the tongue and jaw so regular screenings and detection are critical.

As a comprehensive dental practice, Dr. Powless offers routine oral cancer screening to you as a patient. Because, as dentists, they are the only medical professionals in a position to evaluate routinely and detect abnormalities early. The doctors are dedicated to providing this potentially life-saving procedure for you.

Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, but we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a wellness approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

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St Petersburg Oral Cancer Screening - Photo of a hand with the phrase stop oral cancer on written on it.

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727.822.3463

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Are You Ready for an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer will typically show up as white or red patches or lesions inside of your mouth. You may even notice the lesions on your tongue or on the floor of your mouth. Many people experience a hard time swallowing, bleeding in the mouth, or even swelling in your face or neck.

Since this specific cancer can look like a burn inside of your mouth, dentists will typically wait to see if it goes away. If not, we will perform a biopsy so that we can receive a proper diagnosis. In order to perform an oral cancer screening, we may use sedation or general anesthesia. This allows us to remove a sample of the lesion so that the pathologist is able to look at it under a microscope and come up with a diagnosis.

We understand that this can be a scary and stressful time. However, we will be there for you every step of the way.

Questions & Answers

I just want my smile to look good. What are some options to help the appearance of my smile?

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges; gum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of all these techniques. Our dentists will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

Our practice have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of crowns or porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. Our doctors also offer Clear Aligners as an orthodontic option for adults and teens alike. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

What can I expect from my first appointment?

During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical / dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-Rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

I want cosmetic dentistry. Does my insurance pay for it?

Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we do offer a variety of payment options in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit™. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask our front office team how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.