Oral Cancer Screening Phoenix, AZ.
Finding a sore or lump in your mouth suddenly is scary, and most oral cancer cases show no symptoms in the early stages. At Paradise Ridge Dentistry, we offer oral cancer screening as a part of routine examination. When an oral health issue is detected at an early stage, the treatment is less complex, has higher success rates, and has a lower risk of future complications.
It is a thorough examination of your mouth’s soft tissues for any signs of abnormal change in color or texture. Lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat are all included in the screening. It is also done for lumps, lesions, or sores.
Oral Screening Screening Services We Offer
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Dr. Keyvan Jafari (Dr. Bobby) - Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S. - General Dentist
Dr. Bobby is very dedicated to providing you with the most modern and comprehensive approach to assessing your oral health condition using CBCT imaging, intraoral scanning, and 3D printing. He prides himself on providing you with as much information that you require to understand all aspects of your oral conditions, and any treatment options that are available to your individual needs. With precision and passion for dentistry, to shaping smiles and transforming lives one patient at a time, he truly enjoys forming lifelong relationships with his patients.
Dr. Bobby graduated from Arizona State University in Biomedical Engineering. As a research and development engineer, he worked in the medical device industry designing, testing, and developing cardiovascular, orthopedic and surgical devices, to dental implants.
He went on to graduate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, being one of a few graduates to receive advanced training in implant placement and implant prosthodontics during his final 2 years. He then followed up with a one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, through New York University Langone Health at the Brighter Way Dental Center, gaining valuable knowledge performing complex dental treatments with mentorship alongside specialists ranging from cosmetic veneers, crowns, to full mouth rehabilitations, dental surgery, single-implants to full arch All-On-4 cases, overdentures, and endodontics.
Dr. Bobby has lived in the North Scottsdale community since 2006. He has volunteered 1000+ hours helping the greater Phoenix community at sites including CASS clinic, ASDOH, Arizona Mission of Mercy, to dental missions abroad in Mexico.
Office Information
15433 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 200,
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Office Hours
Convenient hours for our valued patients
- Mon - Wed 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thurs 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Visual and Physical Oral Examination
During your oral cancer screening, we carefully check your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. All soft tissues in your mouth are examined thoroughly for lesions, sores, swelling, or texture changes that don’t look right. The jaw, neck, and oral tissues are physically checked for any lumps or irregularities that aren’t visible on the surface.
Tissue Biopsy
A tissue biopsy is essential and only performed when your visual examination and screening with advanced tools identify something that needs confirmation. We take a small tissue sample under local anaesthesia and send it for laboratory analysis. Results confirm whether anything needs to be addressed and what the next step would be for your situation.
Advanced Oral Cancer Screening with ViziLite TBlue
When a standard visual exam identifies something unusual, we use ViziLite TBlue for a more detailed examination. A specialised light source highlights tissue changes that aren’t always visible under normal examination conditions. This helps identify areas that may need further investigation before anything has a chance to develop further.
Who Needs Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is important for those who are at higher risk of the disease. In some cases, lifestyle habits trigger oral cancer, while in others, a virus or weak immune system is the cause.
Common risk factors for oral cancer are:
- Current or former tobacco users in any form
- Patients with regular or heavy alcohol consumption habits
- Those with a known HPV infection
- Prolonged or unprotected sun exposure with poor diet can trigger oral cancer
- History of head and neck cancer in an individual or their family
- Anyone who is 40 years of age or over
Symptoms That Could Be a Sign of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer in its early stages does not cause any discomfort, which is why many patients are unaware of it until it is found during routine dental examination. If you notice any of the following symptoms, which are also present for more than two weeks, you should get it evaluated as soon as possible.
- A mouth sore or ulcer that is not healing
- Persistent and unusual white or red patches appearing on your gums, tongue, or inner cheek
- A lump inside your mouth
Persistent difficulty swallowing or the sensation of something in the throat - Unexplained numbness or tenderness in the mouth, face, or neck
Commonly Asked Questions
What does oral cancer look like in the mouth?
A sore or ulcer in your mouth that doesn’t heal is one of the most common warning signs of oral cancer. Many patients also have a persistent red or white patch on the gums, tongue, or cheeks, or a painless lump inside the mouth that bleeds easily.
How effective is early detection of oral cancer?
When oral cancer is caught early, in most cases it doesn’t require complicated treatment. Also, the survival rate for oral cancer is much higher when it is identified at an early stage.
Book Online Today
Schedule an appointment easily by filling out the online form.
Our front desk staff will contact you soon to confirm your appointment.
Insurance Accepted
We will be glad to file a predetermination for you to verify coverage of any necessary dental treatment. We accept most PPO insurances.
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We are famous for our quality care, but we also work hard to be the most affordable dentist in Phoenix.