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At every dental examination, the patient should ask for an oral screening, even if there are no outward symptoms. Generally, dentists will already check for oral cancer symptoms and signs during a checkup, but it never hurts to request a screening. Oral screening in Omaha, NE, should be done before any symptoms emerge.  

Once your dentist diagnoses the cause of the issue through oral screening and determines the type of treatment needed, you will be sedated before a serious dental procedure can be performed.  

What Takes Place  

During Oral Screening  

A physical examination of the tongue, palate, soft tissues and gums makes up an oral cancer screening. Other significant components of oral cancer screenings include checking the nose, face, neck, lips, and other mouth parts. Before the test, the patient must take out all oral appliances, including dentures and retainers. This makes every mouth region at risk for oral cancer more visible.   

Your dentist will check for asymmetries. Any enlargement, lumps, pimples, white patches, sores, rough areas, and other anomalies will be inspected. To examine the inside of the mouth and nose, your dentist will use a small light and mirror. Moreover, the back of your throat will also be inspected with a tongue depressor.   

During the physical examination, your dentist may touch your head, cheeks, jaw, chin, and oral cavity. Once unusual lumps or nodules are noticed, you will be required to undergo further inspection.   

Uncommonly recognized oral cancer symptoms include the inability of usually mobile tissue to move. When pressure is applied to these areas, it typically hurts as well. Not all malignant sites, nevertheless, will hurt.   

A visual and physical examination may also be combined with the use of some technology equipment. Your dentist can spot precancerous cells that are invisible to the unaided eye using tools like VELscope. It will illuminate the mouth cavity with a blue light. Spots that are precancerous or cancerous will not light up, but normal tissue will.   

Dental Sedation  

Unfortunately, some patients may not find comfort in the idea that a dental operation is painless. Others even have dental phobia. Many patients require more than local anesthetic during their treatments, whether that anxiety stems from dread of dental procedures (which is extremely frequent) or worry over sitting still for so long. It is safer for them to get sedated.   

Oral sedation, IV sedation (conscious sedation), nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), and general anesthesia are the four main forms of sedation used by dentists. These words have probably been used before, but you may not be aware of their distinctions. These sedation methods are distinct and have advantages depending on the patient.  

Is dental sedation necessary? Not everyone requires sedation. However, sedation can help with your anxiety, lessen or completely eliminate pain, and speed up the process. You can discuss your worries with your dentist whenever you have a chance, but generally speaking, you shouldn’t be concerned about sedation.   

Would You Like to Learn More About Oral Screening in Omaha, NE?  

Your overall health greatly depends on your oral health. To avoid developing oral diseases or dental issues, you must take the time to maintain your oral health. For regular checkups and cleanings, visit the dentist. Please make an appointment with our dental professionals at Omaha Dentistry right away to experience what high-quality, competent dental care looks like. We provide each patient with our greatest attention.