I can not say enough about my experience at Family Dentistry. Everyone from the office staff, receptionist Jill, dental assistant Lisa, and Dr. Phillips were kind, caring, and compassionate. I felt like I was family. They cater to cowards. I was not looking forward to having the dental work I needed. My visit was excellent. The dental assistant Lisa actually noticed and alerted the dentist to a problem not related to the procedure I was having. They both were so gentle, making sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure. (I love they have a bumper guard to help keep your mouth open). They explained everything they were doing and made sure I was pain-free. I would highly recommend everyone I had contact with. Thank you to each one of you for caring!
Make Early Detection a Priority With Oral Cancer Screenings in Knoxville
When you visit us for an oral cancer screening in Knoxville, you receive a quick, gentle check that fits into your regular exam. Dr. Phillips checks your mouth and throat closely to spot changes before they turn into a bigger problem. The screening takes just a few minutes and could make a real difference in your future health.
Here’s what you can expect from this screening:
- Catch warning signs early, when treatment tends to be simpler
- Enjoy a comfortable check with no discomfort or downtime
- Feel more confident about your oral health
- Get screened during your normal cleaning visit
- Catch changes in your mouth that are easy to miss on your own
Call 865-345-5129 today to schedule your cancer screening.
Find Out How OralID® Technology Spots Early Problems
Dr. Phillips includes an oral cancer screen at every routine exam, using OralID technology to look beneath the surface of your tissue. This special light highlights changes in your mouth that are hard to spot with the naked eye. The whole check adds a couple of minutes to your regular visit and doesn’t involve any needles or discomfort.
Catching changes early matters. Oral health connects closely to your overall health, and problems in your mouth can sometimes point to issues happening elsewhere in your body. That’s one more reason routine screenings deserve a spot on your calendar.
Certain habits and factors can raise your risk of oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco use of any kind, including chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Years of sun exposure on your lips
- A family history of the disease
- Past HPV exposure
If Dr. Phillips notices anything unusual, he’ll walk you through the next steps and refer you to a specialist for further testing. Most patients never need this step, but knowing your dentist is watching closely gives you extra peace of mind at every visit.
Feeling nervous about dental visits? Our team offers noise-canceling headphones and other calming touches to help you relax in the chair. We recommend scheduling a screening twice a year, along with your regular exam and cleaning.
Call our office today at 865-345-5129 for an oral cancer screening in Knoxville. Take a proactive step toward better health!
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam of the mouth, tongue, and throat that checks for early signs of abnormal cell growth. Dentists look for unusual lumps, discoloration, or sores that won’t heal, along with texture changes. This exam usually takes just a few minutes and causes no discomfort.
Most dental professionals recommend getting an oral cancer screening at least twice a year during regular dental checkups. People with higher risk factors, such as tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption, may benefit from more frequent screenings. A dentist can help determine the right schedule based on personal health history and risk.
An oral cancer screening is a painless check. The exam involves a visual inspection and gentle feeling of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and neck for unusual lumps or texture changes. Some screenings also use a special light to highlight tissue changes. No needles or incisions are involved.
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase the risk significantly. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure on the lips, and HPV infection are among the most common risk factors. A family history of the disease and being over age 40 also raise the likelihood of developing oral cancer.
If an oral cancer screening finds something unusual, the dentist typically monitors the area or refers the patient to a specialist for further testing, such as a biopsy. Most unusual findings turn out to be harmless, but early evaluation matters. Following up quickly gives you the best chance at simple, effective treatment.