Services to support the health of your smile… and much more! Why we prioritize oral cancer screening
Dental decay and gum disease are not the only threats to the health of your mouth. At Wes Park Family Dentistry, we really get to know our patients from across the Perry, Georgia, area from the get-go. This truly relationship-based approach supports our ability to identify potential risk factors for oral and pharyngeal cancers of the mouth and throat. Patients need to be open with us about habits, behaviors, and other factors that could influence their oral and overall health and their risk of developing potentially serious pre-cancers and cancerous lesions. With routine screening, dentists like our own Dr. Bryce Westmoreland are on the front lines of detecting oral cancers at their earliest stages, when they are easier to treat successfully.
What are some signs and symptoms I should watch for?
It is important to tell Dr. Westmoreland and our team about any changes that have occurred since your last check-up. These changes could include frequent sore throats, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. Other potential red flags may include changes in how an oral appliance may fit, which could be caused by swelling. Contact us immediately if you notice any persistent sores that bleed, recur, or are refusing to heal. Also, don’t wait if you see any concerning areas of discoloration or feel any new lumps or bumps. If it’s a concern to you, it’s a concern to us, and certainly worth having it checked out to be safe. Similar to other cancers, oral cancer in its later stages (after it has spread or metastasized) is more challenging to treat. So, reach out to us for the health of your mouth and the rest of you!
What can I expect during my screening?
Most dental check-ups would not be complete without Dr. Westmoreland’s screening for suspicious lumps, bumps, and other changes that could indicate pre-cancerous and cancerous growths. He will look for potential trouble signs by sight and feel for problems by touch. This may include palpating or feeling for any swollen or bumpy areas inside the mouth, on the tongue, and on the neck. He will also check for facial asymmetry and drooping. X-rays may be taken to examine suspicious or hard-to-see areas closely as needed. A sample of tissue or biopsy may be taken to evaluate areas of concern further.
How can I reduce my risk for oral cancer?
At Wes Park Family Dentistry, we get to know you as a person with a unique set of teeth, behaviors, habits, lifestyle factors, preferences, goals, and medical history and status. Depending on what we identify as potential “modifiable” risks, Dr. Westmoreland may discuss resources and ways to minimize the threats presented by smoking and the use of other tobacco products, as well as other nutritional and hygiene-oriented risks.
Of course, there are some things you cannot control (like family history), which only underscores the importance of maintaining regular check-ups and screenings at our office in Perry, GA. We stay ahead of problems to support a healthy smile and lasting overall or systemic health—call (478) 488-3561 with additional questions or concerns and to schedule an appointment.
Bryce Westmoreland, DMD
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland earned his BSA in Biological Science with Honors from the University of Georgia and completed his DMD at the Dental College of Georgia, where he also served as Chief Resident during his General Practice Residency. He specializes in implant placement surgeries and restorations and has furthered his expertise through the AAID MAXI course. He and his team are known for their friendly, gentle, and empathetic care, creating a welcoming atmosphere where patients receive the highest quality treatments.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.