Preventive Oral Health Exams
Oral Cancer Screening in Fox Point, Wisconsin
Quick, comfortable screenings that help protect your health and your smile.
At Port Road Dental, oral cancer screenings are built into your routine visits so potential concerns can be caught early. In just a few minutes, we carefully check your lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat for any changes that may need attention, giving you greater peace of mind at every appointment.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer Screening at Port Road Dental
Oral cancer screening is a simple exam our team performs during your regular checkups at Port Road Dental in Fox Point, Wisconsin. By looking for early changes in the mouth, we can often spot problems sooner, when they are easier to treat and outcomes are typically more successful.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat—sometimes without obvious pain or symptoms at first. Regular screenings help us identify unusual areas early and guide you toward any follow-up care you might need.
- Early detection Increases the chance that any issue can be treated quickly and effectively.
- Fast and comfortable Screenings add only a few minutes to your exam and require no special preparation.
- Peace of mind Gives you clarity about your oral health and clear next steps if we see any changes.
What to Expect During Your Screening
During your visit, your dentist gently examines your mouth, tongue, and throat, looking and feeling for any lumps, color changes, or sores that are slow to heal. If we see anything that looks unusual, we will explain what we see and discuss whether monitoring, additional tests, or a specialist visit is recommended.
- Visual exam of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth
- Gentle palpation of your jaw, neck, and throat to check for lumps or tenderness
- Review of your medical history, habits, and risk factors such as tobacco or alcohol use
Who Should Be Screened?
Every adult can benefit from routine oral cancer screenings—especially those with certain lifestyle or health risk factors. Our team will help you understand your risk and the right screening schedule for you.
- All adult patients Screenings are recommended for every routine checkup.
- Higher-risk patients Includes those who use tobacco, drink alcohol frequently, or have had significant sun exposure to the lips.
- Patients with persistent symptoms Such as sores that do not heal, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.
If you have noticed any changes in your mouth or simply want extra peace of mind, our team is here to help. Call our Fox Point office at (414) 351-6300 to schedule an oral cancer screening or ask about adding it to your next routine visit.
Oral Cancer Screenings: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick exam where your dentist carefully checks the tissues of your mouth, lips, and throat for any suspicious changes, such as lumps, sores, or color changes.
- Is oral cancer screening painful?
- No. The screening is gentle and non-invasive. Most patients only notice their dentist looking and lightly feeling inside the mouth and along the jaw and neck.
- How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
- For most adults, we recommend an oral cancer screening at every routine dental checkup. Patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring, which we can discuss together.
- What are common warning signs of oral cancer?
- Warning signs can include sores that do not heal, red or white patches, lumps, thickened areas, hoarseness, or persistent soreness when swallowing or speaking. Always let us know if you notice any of these changes.
- If you see something abnormal, does that mean I have cancer?
- Not necessarily. Many changes in the mouth are benign. If we notice something unusual, we will explain what we see and may recommend watching the area, additional testing, or a referral to an oral surgeon or specialist for a closer evaluation.
- Do I need to do anything special before my screening?
- No special preparation is required. Simply come to your appointment as usual and let us know about any symptoms, medical changes, or habits such as tobacco or alcohol use.
- Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance?
- Because oral cancer screenings are often part of a routine dental exam, many insurance plans help cover the visit. Our team can review your benefits and help you understand any expected costs.
- How do I schedule an oral cancer screening at Port Road Dental?
- To schedule, call our office at (414) 351-6300 or request a visit with Port Road Dental in Fox Point, Wisconsin. We will make sure your screening is included as part of your comprehensive exam.
Dr. Zach Wehner
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Dr. James Markenson
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“Comfortable & Caring”
“Port Road Dental made me feel completely at ease from the moment I walked in. Everyone was friendly, gentle, and took the time to explain each step. I’ve never felt more comfortable at a dental office.”
“Exceptional Every Visit”
“Every appointment at Port Road Dental is smooth, professional, and stress-free. The team is patient, attentive, and truly focused on my comfort. I always leave feeling confident about my care.”
