Oral Cancer Screenings
In the United States alone, one adult dies every hour from oral cancers. When oral cancers are identified in initial stages, treatment can begin more quickly. In initial stages, treatment has a higher rate of success and is less invasive. In more advanced stages, oral cancers are more likely to have spread to other areas and need complex treatment.
Dr. Chilton recommends having an oral cancer screening at least once each year. Regular screenings can help ensure early detection of any potential cancers.
During your oral cancer screening, Dr. Chilton will check for any abnormalities. We will closely examine your mouth, throat, lips, gums, and tongue. Let us know about any potential symptoms you have experienced, including:
- Pain or difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- A sensation that something is caught in the back of your throat
- Sore throat with no other sinus symptoms
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- Drastic weight loss
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Unexplained ear pain
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than a week without improvement, call us immediately for an appointment.
Anyone may develop oral cancer, but there are certain factors that can increase your risks. Some of the most common include:
- Being male (men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women)
- Use of tobacco in any form (6 times more likely)
- Genetic predisposition for oral cancers
- Excessive or prolonged exposure to sun
- Unhealthy diet
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Having gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
For more information on oral cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment, contact Olympic View Dental.
BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY
Cosmetic and Family dentist in Seattle, WA
Kim
Kim’s teeth had been both victim of neglect and dental fear. She was read to have her smile back. As we progressed through her treatment, Kim’s confidence grew, and her gorgeous new smile says it all!
Kim finally built up the courage to visit our office during the start of the pandemic. Her emotional story of fear and poor dentistry was presented with honesty and commitment and demanded our attention. We reviewed her x-rays and diagnostics along with leveraged compassion, care, and dental expertise to create a smile that left everyone filled with joy. We don’t fix teeth; we fix patients. In Kim’s case, we were able to not only improve her smile, but eliminate her dental fears!
Craig
Craig’s teeth were damaged from years of clenching and grinding due to stress. We came up with a plan to restore Craig’s smile and self-esteem!
Craig’s teeth suffered from years of neglect, resulting in a significant number of cavities, and punishing results of clenching and grinding (bruxism), especially at night. We sat down for a one-on-one consultation to develop a custom plan with the goal of restoring his smile and maintaining it for long-term success. Craig’s commitment and enthusiasm spread throughout our team as we custom-built his plan. His treatment resulted in a cosmetically pleasing, functional smile that was designed to resist any future stresses from bruxism.
Dr. Aranka
Dr. Aranka gave a lifetime commitment to his patients and community but did not give himself a lifetime of care for his oral health. We created a fabulous smile for him, and he shows it to us every day!
Dr. Aranka is a retired local physician who stepped through our doors. He was unhappy with his smile and the condition of his oral health. He was tired of quick fixes that ultimately did not last. We sat together in the consultation room and outlined a vision for a long-term solution that would give him a healthy, functioning, and aesthetically pleasing smile. Dr. Aranka now comes in every day smiling and thankful for what our team has provided him.
Marco
Marco didn’t like his smile but didn’t know what to do about it. Our initial consultation included examples of what could change, and now Marco couldn’t be happier with his smile!
Marco recently semi-retired from his career in commercial real estate. He’s always been a bubbly, funny man but always seemed to have a reservation about his smile. One day I asked Marco if he liked his smile, and he said he didn’t. So I invited him to a consultation and showed him all the changes that could be made aesthetically, from his gum line to coloration to lip support. We did a little recontouring for his lower arch, light dentistry for his upper arch, and a tooth bleaching, and Marco is now thrilled to share his smile.
Alexa
Alexa didn’t like how her teeth looked and was ready for a smile transformation. She had overcome major life obstacles and was ready for a smile to match her new life. After neglecting her dental health for over 10 years, she made the brave decision to visit our office for a consultation.
Alexa and I discussed her smile goals and treatment options for long-term success. She put her full trust in us and completed multiple procedures including crown lengthening, implants, and full mouth reconstruction. As her treatment progressed, her confidence grew dramatically! We completed Botox and lip/cheek filler to enhance her already beautiful features and she could not be happier with the final results. Alexa is no longer scared of the dentist and her smile lights up any room she walks into!
