Oral Cancer Screening in Portsmouth, NH
At Seacoast Prosthodontics in Portsmouth, NH, an oral cancer screening is a routine part of every regular dental exam, not a separate or alarming step. Dr. Randi's specialist prosthodontic training means each visit looks at the whole mouth, teeth, gums, and soft tissue together, not just one area at a time. We welcome new patients and take time to understand your insurance benefits before your visit, so you know what to expect. Regular screening is one of the simplest ways to catch changes early and support long-term oral health.
The BasicsWhat Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer exam is a quick, visual and physical check of your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and neck. Dr. Randi looks for any unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or changes in tissue texture. This screening is built into our Cleanings & Exams visits and is also part of broader General & Diagnostic Dentistry care at our Portsmouth office.
Why It MattersBenefits of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
Screening takes just a few minutes and adds little to a normal dental visit. Because early-stage changes often have no obvious symptoms, a trained eye can spot something worth a closer look before it becomes noticeable to you. Making screening part of your regular checkup schedule means one less thing to think about between visits, and it lets you and Dr. Randi track your tissue health over time.
Watch ForSigns & Symptoms to Watch For
Knowing the signs of oral cancer can help you decide when to bring something up between visits. Common changes to mention to our team include:
A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
A lump, thickening, or rough spot inside the mouth or on the lips
Numbness, pain, or tenderness in the mouth or lips without a clear cause
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
Ongoing hoarseness or a sore throat that does not go away
These symptoms often come from common, non-cancerous causes. Still, it is worth mentioning any of them to our team so we can take a look.
Your VisitWhat to Expect During Your Screening
During your visit, Dr. Randi will visually check your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, and throat. He may gently feel your jaw and neck to check lymph nodes and tissue underneath the skin. The screening is quick, typically adding just a few minutes to your regular exam, and does not require any special preparation. If anything needs a closer look, we will talk with you about next steps and, if needed, a referral for further evaluation. Our team will also help you understand your insurance benefits ahead of time. Learn more on our Insurance & Financing page.
Good To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I be screened for oral cancer?
Most patients receive an oral cancer screening at each routine cleaning and exam visit, generally every six months. Your recommended schedule may vary based on your health history and risk factors, so ask Dr. Randi what makes sense for you.
Is an oral cancer exam uncomfortable?
No. The exam is a visual check along with light touch around the jaw, neck, and inside the mouth. Most patients feel nothing beyond mild pressure, and the screening adds only a few minutes to your regular appointment.
What happens if a suspicious area is found and left unchecked?
If Dr. Randi notices an area that needs a closer look, he will explain what he sees and recommend next steps, which may include monitoring it over time or a referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Catching changes early and following through on next steps is the best way to protect your long-term oral health. Skipping follow-up care means a potential issue could go unaddressed longer than it should.
Restoring Function. Rebuilding ConfidenceMake Screening a Regular Part of Your Dental Visits
Oral cancer screening works best as a steady habit built into the checkups you already schedule. Our team, guided by Dr. Randi's specialist training, is ready to answer your questions and fit this simple step into your care.
Contact Us with any questions about your visit.