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Oral Cancer Screening
in Woodway, TX

Beautiful Smiles For A Lifetime

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer ScreeningAt the Woodway, Texas practice of Dr. Corbet Locke, we are passionate about protecting our patients from oral cancer.

Common causes of oral cancer are tobacco use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure, habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. While most oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, 25{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all.

During your regular dental checkup, Dr. Locke will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white or red spot or small sore. Keep an eye out for these other signs of oral cancer, which may include:

  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
  • A color change of the oral tissues.
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area.
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

 

Two tests can determine if a trouble spot is cancerous. A brush biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous cells in the early stages of the disease. A scalpel biopsy, which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious areas.

Remember to schedule regular checkups for everyone in your family! Two visits per year are recommended for general care. If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth between visits, contact our Woodway practice immediately. Your oral health is our number one priority, and we constantly strive to win the battle with oral cancer but providing professional, quality care to our Waco patients.

 

For more information about oral cancer, support groups, or treatments, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org.



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See What Patients Are Saying About Corbet Locke DDS

  • “I came in to see the dentist and had no pain. I needed a bridge made. After the procedure, I left, and I still had no pain. This was the first time in my life that I had a totally painless dental experience.”

    Donald Allman -
  • “I know this is long overdue. You guys were so wonderful to me and my relief was so great – it still brings tears to my eyes. I can’t thank you enough for helping me regain my self-esteem and ability to smile. People don’t realize, but it’s a huge thing, the simple act of smiling. I am eternally grateful.”

    Pam Kopicki -
  • “Y’all are awesome and nice! And I love coming here. Melanie does the best cleanings!

    Diana Berry -