- Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life | 70518 Dentist -

Dentist Broussard

A PATIENT-FOCUSED DENTAL TEAM

Dr. William Darr and our team welcome you to a different kind of dental experience. We are proud to be a patient-focused practice—from our Smile Analysis to our exceptional listening skills, we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health and more confidence in your smile. Our calming chairside manner relaxes our more anxious patients, and we explain what we do while we’re working on you, so you will know and understand what’s happening—without unpleasant surprises!

Dentist in Broussard

Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life | 70518 Dentist

Dentist in Broussard

By now, you have likely seen news reports questioning whether flossing is necessary for your oral health. Our expert dentist in 70518 wants to remind patients that our office offers thorough oral cancer screening as part of our comprehensive dental health services. Like with every form of cancer, early diagnosis can have a profound impact on the success of your treatment. Regular oral cancer screenings are your first line of defense against oral cancer and our doctor is here to help.

In your screening, our doctor will check your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We will give careful consideration to any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have experienced any oral cancer symptoms for more than a week without improvement, schedule an appointment and tell your dentist immediately. Symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

  1. Ear pain
  2. Unexplained mouth bleeding
  3. Mouth sores that don’t heal
  4. White or red patches in your mouth
  5. Dramatic weight loss
  6. Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
  7. Sore throat without other sinus symptoms 
  8. Sensation of something caught in the back of your throat
  9. Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

One adult American dies of oral cancer every hour. Though anyone can develop oral cancer, some factors can increase your risks. Some of the most common risk factors include: genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, unhealthy diet, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Oral cancer is more common in men than women. Patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at increased risk. Users of tobacco in any form are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users.

Whatever the cause, the success of treatment depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer. Early detection can play a critical role in your successful recovery. When found in early stages, oral cancers have an 80 – 90% survival rate. The primary reason for this is that early detection leads to earlier treatment. Oral cancers that are found in early or precancerous stages can often be removed and require less invasive procedures to treat. Later stages of cancer are likely to be larger and more complex and often have spread far beyond your mouth. 

We are accepting new patients. If you would like more information about oral cancer and oral cancer screening, contact our dental office in Broussard, LA for a consultation.

William S. Darr, DDS
Phone: (337) 837-3117
107 S Morgan Ave
Broussard, LA 70518

Office Hours

Monday 7:30AM - 3:30PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 3:30PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 3:30PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 3:30PM

Location

107 South Morgan Ave.
Broussard, LA 70518

Serving Broussard, Youngsville, Lafayette,
New Iberia & beyond.

Appointments

337-837-3117

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