Oral Cancer Screening in Aventura, FL

Protect your health with routine oral cancer screenings. Backed by over 40 years of experience, we provide thorough, early detection exams to help identify concerns and support your long-term well-being.

Oral cancer screenings can identify the signs of disease before it has spread. This may be beneficial to those in high-risk groups. Regular oral cancer screenings can give patients the advantage of treating cancer in the early stages when there is a higher chance for remission.

Oral cancer screenings are available at Haratz Dental in Aventura and the surrounding area. Early detection may make cancer treatment more effective. Call us at (786) 433-5232 to schedule an appointment today.

Understanding

Why Have Regular
Oral Cancer Screenings?

Regular oral cancer screenings can be as important as regular dental checkups. Fortunately, patients can ask to get both procedures done at the same time. As per the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer symptoms tend not to appear until the disease has spread. Early detection may make oral cancer easier to treat when the chances for remission are higher.

According to WebMD, everyone should have a dental checkup at least once a year. However, experts have yet to reach a consensus on how often patients should go in for an oral cancer screening. A dentist may be able to conduct a comprehensive exam to determine how frequently a patient should have screenings.

"Early detection may make oral cancer easier to treat when the chances for remission are higher."

Your Care Team

Meet Our Doctors

Our philosophy is simple: treat every patient with care, knowledge, and love. We’re here to build a long-term relationship with you and your family.

Trust

Knowledge

Long-Term Care

Family Feel

Founder & Owner

Dr. Adela Haratz

Over 40 years creating beautiful smiles. A pioneering aesthetic and scientific authority in dental artistry.

Cosmetic & General

Dr. Michael Mya

A North Miami Beach native dedicated to providing excellent dental care to his community.

Oral Surgery

Dr. Matthew Rand

“My passion is creating bright new smiles for patients of all ages.”

We speak your language: English, Spanish & Hebrew

Our Approach

Groups at High Risk for
Oral Cancer

Certain groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others. Common risk factors include but are not limited to:

A history of oral cancer
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol
Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun
Tobacco use, in any form

Patients may find it beneficial to consult a professional about their medical history to better determine their risk for oral cancer.

"Some groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others."

Our Approach

Limitations of
Oral Cancer Screenings

Although regular oral cancer screenings are integral to maintaining good health, Mayo Clinic points out that it may be difficult to detect abnormal cells through a simple visual exam. Thus, there is always a possibility that a small sign of cancer or precancerous lesion could go undetected.

A group of unusual cells does not always mean that the patient has cancer. Rather, the patient will have to undergo a biopsy to get a definitive answer. If it is cancerous, then early detection will afford the patient more treatment options.

While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely.

"While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely."

Aftercare

What to Expect During an
Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening requires no special preparation, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment. In most cases, a basic oral cancer screening will consist of the dentist taking a thorough look at all the parts of the patient's mouth, including:

The back of the throat
The gums
The insides of the cheeks
The outside and the inside of the lips
The roof of the mouth
The tongue

Patients with dentures must remove the devices to allow Haratz Dental to check the tissue underneath, along with the area underneath the jaw.

All in all, the screening should take less than five minutes.

"There is no special preparation required for an oral cancer screening, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment."

Aftercare

Additional Tests After
Oral Cancer Screenings

Depending on the patient's situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening. More in-depth oral cancer screenings can involve the patient rinsing their mouth with blue dye to make any unusual cells more visible. Additionally, the dentist may choose to shine a light in the patient's mouth during the exam. This light will "highlight" abnormal tissue by making it appear white.

If any of these tests find signs of oral cancer or any possibly cancerous lesions, then the patient should undergo a biopsy. This procedure consists of removing a sample of cells for laboratory testing. The patient may also need to make a follow-up appointment to see if the abnormal area has grown or changed since detection.

"Depending on the patient's situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening."

Accessible Care

Insurance & Financing Options

We accept most PPO insurance plans including Delta, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry, plus our in-house membership plan.

Delta Dental

Aetna

Cigna

MetLife

Humana

CareCredit

Take the Next Step

Quality Dental Services Can
Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Oral Cancer Screening in Aventura, FL

Why Have Regular
Oral Cancer Screenings?