A calm, painless part of every comprehensive periodontal exam. Regular screening helps our doctors catch changes early, when they are most manageable, so you can feel confident about your oral health.
Oral cancer screening is a simple visual and physical exam of your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck, looking for anything that seems out of the ordinary. It takes only a few minutes and is included as a standard part of your periodontal visit at LA Periodontics, no separate appointment required.
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that most sexually active adults will encounter at some point. In the vast majority of cases the body clears it without any lasting effect. In a small number of cases, certain high-risk strains of HPV are associated with oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. This is one reason regular screening matters for every adult patient, not only those with known risk factors.
This screening is not a diagnosis and it cannot tell you with certainty whether cancer is present. Its purpose is early detection, giving your periodontist a reason to recommend a closer look or a referral if something warrants further evaluation.
There is no special preparation needed. The screening is folded directly into your regular periodontal exam and takes just a few extra minutes.
Your periodontist examines your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any unusual color, texture, or sores.
A gentle, painless palpation of the tissues in your mouth, jaw, and neck to check for lumps, thickened areas, or swelling.
Your doctor talks through any findings with you in plain language and answers questions about what they are looking for and why.
If anything warrants a closer look, we discuss options together, which may include monitoring over time or a referral for further evaluation.
Because our doctors are board-certified periodontists who see the tissues of your mouth in detail at every visit, screening is a natural extension of the care you already receive here.
Dr. Rana Shahi, Dr. Priscilla Young, and Dr. Ivan Yi are all board-certified periodontists with extensive training in the soft tissues of the mouth.
Screening happens as part of your regular periodontal exam, so consistent, proactive care does not require an extra trip to our Wilshire Blvd office.
If we notice anything, we explain what we see, why it matters, and what reasonable next steps look like, without unnecessary alarm.
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Knowing general risk factors and signs can help you stay attentive between visits. This information is educational, not diagnostic. Only a professional evaluation can determine what a specific change means for you.
Oral cancer screening is already included in your comprehensive periodontal exam. Schedule your next visit and let our specialists keep an eye on your oral health.
Oral cancer screening works alongside other periodontal services to keep your entire mouth healthy. Explore related pages below.
If a screening finds something that needs a closer look, our Oral Pathology & Biopsies service allows us to investigate further, often in the same office you already know. And because gum health and oral cancer risk are both closely tied to overall tissue health, many patients also benefit from staying current on treatment for periodontal disease, which we monitor at every visit.
No. The screening is a gentle visual and physical exam that involves looking at and lightly feeling the tissues in your mouth, jaw, and neck. Most patients do not notice anything beyond the normal parts of a periodontal exam.
Because it is included in your regular periodontal exam, most patients are screened at each routine visit. Your periodontist can recommend a schedule that fits your individual risk factors and history.
HPV is a very common virus, and most people who are exposed to it clear it naturally without any issue. Certain high-risk strains, however, are linked to a meaningful share of oropharyngeal cancers, which is one of the reasons routine screening is recommended for adults generally, not only those considered higher risk.
Not at all. Most mouth sores are caused by minor irritation, biting your cheek, or a canker sore, and heal on their own within a couple of weeks. If a sore or unusual area lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth having a professional take a look, simply so it can be properly evaluated rather than guessed at.
We recommend it for all adult patients as a standard part of preventive care, regardless of personal risk factors. It is quick, non-invasive, and gives your periodontist another way to keep watch over your overall oral health.
Your doctor will explain what they observed in plain language. Depending on what is found, next steps might include simply monitoring the area at your next visit, a biopsy for a definitive answer, or a referral to another specialist. We walk you through the options together and there is no reason to assume the worst.
Because screening is part of your comprehensive periodontal exam, it is typically included under the same coverage as your regular visit. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
Yes. If you notice a change that concerns you or simply want peace of mind, contact our Wilshire Blvd office and we will arrange a visit that includes a screening.
We'll confirm your visit within one business day.
