Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Screening Is Vital To Maintaining Your Oral Health
What Causes Oral Cancer?
This year over 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer. That is a little over 100 new cases EACH DAY in the US. And the rate is increasing. Other names for oral cancer include mouth cancer, tongue cancer, throat cancer, and tonsil cancer.
There are two known pathways leading to oral cancer. This first is tobacco and alcohol use. The other is through exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus – HPV16). When oral cancer is detected early, survival rates are good (80-90%). Unfortunately, most oral cancers are not detected until a late stage, which is why the death rate from oral cancer is high (45% five years after diagnosis). In the US, oral cancer kills one person every hour of every day; this is why our dentists believe taking an oral cancer screening test is vital to helping maintain your oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings (Brittany)
Cancer Screening at Atlanta Dental Spa
Every time you have a cleaning and check-up at Atlanta Dental Spa, our dentists and hygienists will do a visual oral cancer screening for you. Atlanta Dental Spa strongly recommends an additional screening with VELscope once per year. These oral cancer screenings have the ability to detect early stages of oral cancer before a lesion is visible to our eyes.
Furthermore, if you have a lump, bump, crack, ulcer, spot or other area of concern in/on your mouth, lips, tongue, palate, gums, cheek, or throat, we ask that you call us immediately so that we can see you for an additional exam.
FACT:
When oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is 80 – 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
In the past, oral cancer was believed to be associated mostly with tobacco use. This is no longer the case. In fact, in people younger than 50 years old, HPV is now believed to be the main causative agent. Because the risk factors now include tobacco, alcohol, and/or exposure to HPV-16, nearly every adult in the US is at risk for developing oral cancer. For this reason, Atlanta Dental Spa recommends basic oral cancer screenings twice per year, and a specific oral cancer screening with VELscope once every year. This is similar to other cancer screenings like mammogram, PSA-test, and Pap-smear. Like any cancer, it is only through early detection that your chances for survival improve.
Will my insurance pay for oral cancer screening?
Some dental and medical insurance companies DO cover oral cancer screenings. And flex-spending accounts and health savings accounts (FSA and HSA) will reimburse for this procedure.
Our Convenient Locations

Buckhead
3235 Roswell Rd NE
Ste 400
Atlanta, GA 30305

Call or Text404-816-2230
Mon: Closed
Tue: 7:30am - 4pm
Wed: 7:30am - 4pm
Thu: 7:30am - 4pm
Fri: 7:30am - 4pm

Johns Creek
3590 Old Alabama Rd
Johns Creek, GA 30022

Call or Text770-998-3838
Mon: Closed
Tue: 7:30am - 4pm
Wed: 7:30am - 4pm
Thu: 7:30am - 4pm
Fri: 7:30am - 4pm

Highlands
664 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Call or Text404-418-7445
Mon: 7:30am - 4pm
Tue: 7:30am - 4pm
Wed: 7:30am - 4pm
Thu: 7:30am - 4pm
Fri: Closed

East Cobb
147 Johnson Ferry Rd
Suite 4220
Marietta, GA 30068

Call or Text770-956-0491
Mon: 7:30am - 4pm
Tue: 7:30am - 4pm
Wed: 7:30am - 4pm
Thu: 7:30am - 4pm
Fri: Closed
Better life through better dentistry!
Request your appointment at Atlanta Dental Spa. Convenient locations in Buckhead, Johns Creek, Highlands, and East Cobb. Discover complete health dentistry and start your smile makeover today!
