Tag: cheeks

Dental Checkups Look for Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer can be frightening to think about, but it is still important to check for regularly. If you discover cancer in your body early, the better the odds are greater at overcoming it. That is why, our team here at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is happy to talk to you about oral cancer.

Oral cancer can begin in your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor or roof of your mouth and even in your throat. Despite their series of possible locations, there are symptoms to watch out for such as red or white patches, pain, tenderness, sores or irritations that won’t go away, a lump, difficulty swallowing or chewing, difficulty in talking, and even a change in your dental alignment.

Did you know, during your regular dental exam every six months, your dentists, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick will check you for signs of oral cancer? Well, it’s true! That is one of the many vital reasons your regular dental checkup should not be skipped. If you do find something suspicious or painful, make sure to call our office right away to schedule an appointment, so we can treat it right away.

If you have any questions about oral cancer or think it may be time for you to have a dental check-up, please call us today at 804-781-1919 to set up an appointment. Our caring and professional staff is happy to assist you in any way we can to help you with your oral health.

Oral Cancer Screening: What You Should Know

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You know that it’s important for you to visit your dentist every six months if you’d like to keep your teeth healthy and strong—but do you know what actually happens during these treatments? Typically, we’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and inspect your pearly whites for signs of trouble—such as oral cancer. This cancer screening is very important, but do you know what it actually entails?

While you may think oral cancer is fairly rare, did you know that more than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the issues each year? Fortunately, this disease can usually be treated successfully—but the odds of a successful treatment increase greatly if the problem is identified early. One part of recognizing this problem involves asking a number of questions. We may ask you about whether you smoke or drink and how regularly you do so.

Our team will look for white or red areas in your mouth or for unusual sores. We’ll also inspect your face and tongue for unusual bumps. Afterwards, we’ll examine your mouth, neck, and jaw. While this may seem unnecessary, our team can recognize bumps and abnormalities that can’t be found by touch alone. We may also feel inside your mouth, including your cheeks, and inspect your lymph nodes, lips, and the hinges of your jaw.

If you’re interested in learning more about an oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you schedule an appointment with our dentist, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick. We’re excited to hear from you soon!

Keeping Ahead of COVID-19

Providing a safe environment for treatment and control for infectious disease is always a priority at Paul Stanovick DDS. Our expansive reception area and large outdoor deck provides space to easily support regulations surrounding social distancing. The treatment rooms provide an extra layer of protection as they are sanitized between each patient and provide clean air through air purifiers located in each room. You will see some changes during your next appointment as we have added precautions to protect patients and staff. You will be asked to enter the building with use of facial protection and asked to wear it until you are in the treatment room. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the whole building for your use. You may notice that our magazine and children’s books have been removed from the reception area as they are harder to disinfect. We have installed plexiglass around our front reception area for added distancing between front staff and patients waiting for appointments. Air purifiers have been placed in every operatory with two larger purifiers in the front and back of the office. We have provided face shields, lab jackets and barrier gowns for all clinical staff. Our hours of operation will still remain Monday -Friday 8am-5pm. We are looking forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment and the safety precautions we are taking here at the practice. If you would like to make an appointment you can give us a call or text 804.781.1919. Thank you for your patience during these changing times and for your trust in us with taking care of your dental needs. Sincerely, Dr. Paul Stanovick, Dr. Brant Stanovick, and Staff.