Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is performed for all patients at every routine examination at Sacramento Holistic Dentist in Carmichael, CA. This simple, painless procedure takes only a few minutes — and it can save your life. Oral cancers caught at an early stage have a survival rate of over 80%, but when discovered at an advanced stage, that rate drops dramatically. Regular screenings are one of the most important reasons to maintain your dental appointments, even when your teeth feel fine.

The Importance of Early Detection

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, gum tissue, floor of the mouth, cheek lining, palate, and throat. Approximately 54,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Tragically, the overall 5-year survival rate remains below 60% — not because these cancers cannot be treated, but because they are so frequently diagnosed at a late stage when options are more limited.

The dentist's chair is often the first — and sometimes only — place where early-stage oral abnormalities are noticed, because most of these lesions cause little or no pain in their early stages. Patients who see their dentist regularly have a significant advantage.

What Dr. Pekarski Screens For

During your exam, Dr. Pekarski systematically examines your entire oral cavity and surrounding structures for any tissue changes that warrant attention:

• Red patches (erythroplakia) — often higher-risk pre-malignant lesions
• White patches (leukoplakia) — may indicate abnormal cell changes
• Persistent ulcers or sores that have not healed after two weeks
• Raised bumps, thickened areas, or irregular surface textures
• Lumps or swelling in the jaw, neck, or under the tongue
• Unexplained numbness, tenderness, or pain in the mouth or face
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue or jaw

The Screening Process

"Your dentist will be hands-on in looking over the inside of your mouth to check for red and white patches. Your throat and neck will also be examined for any potential abnormalities such as lumps." The examination is thorough but gentle — no special equipment or preparation is required on your part.

If any area looks unusual, additional investigation options include:

• Oral brush biopsy — a painless swipe of tissue cells for laboratory analysis
• X-ray imaging — to evaluate underlying bone if a mass is suspected
• Referral to an oral surgeon or specialist — for biopsy or further evaluation of concerning findings

Why Choose Sacramento Holistic Dentist for Oral Cancer Screening

At our Carmichael practice, oral cancer screening is not an optional add-on — it is a standard part of every comprehensive exam. Dr. Pekarski takes the time to look carefully at every area of your oral cavity, not just your teeth. This thoroughness, combined with the holistic awareness that the mouth reflects systemic health, means potentially life-saving observations are made at every visit. We serve Sacramento, Carmichael, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova.