Your Choice For Specialized Periodontal Treatment
As a Harvard University and Columbia University trained periodontist in Marin County, CA, Dr. Michael Seda offers a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services to Marin County and San Francisco, CA. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care, to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients
Oral Cancer Screening to Avoid Cancer
There are many reasons why it is a good idea to schedule regular periodontal or dentist visits throughout the year, but one that is often overlooked is the fact that, while these routine check ins do allow your periodontist to perform deep cleanings or monitor how recent procedures are doing, these visits also allow your periodontist to monitor your overall oral health and identify potential issues early on. Your periodontist is not just examining your teeth, they are examining your glands, the areas outside your mouth, gums, temporomandibular joint, skin, lips, and palate.
Every year, approximately 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Of those diagnoses, nearly 10,000 will be fatal. Originally thought to be a risk factor limited to smokers, new research indicates that several other factors, such as alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and gender (oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men) can increase your risk for developing oral cancer. Given these statistics, it is incredibly important to schedule regular oral cancer screenings, which can take place at your regularly scheduled dental exams.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care, to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients.
If you are scheduled for an oral cancer screening, or if you have any questions about the procedure, please contact our staff who will be happy to answer any questions or help you set up an appointment.
Reviews About Dr. Seda
Contact Marin Contemporary Perio & Implant Specialists
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.
Treatment Options
If the results of the biopsy confirm that you do have oral cancer, there are several treatment options which your periodontist will discuss with you. Having the tumor removed is one method for addressing oral cancer. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in addition to radiation is another common method for treating oral cancer, especially in cases where the affected area involves a significant amount of tissue, as this approach will target the specific cancerous cells and protect the tissue that is healthy.
Ultimately, the best approach to treating your cancer is to develop a unique treatment plan with your periodontist that is informed by your oral health history, current oral health issues, the severity of your particular case, and what type of post-treatment care will be most effective in helping your recover and minimize your chances for developing issues in the future.
Prevent Oral Cancer
Although it is impossible to completely protect yourself from the risk of developing oral cancer, there are several precautions you can take to minimize your risk, including:
- Avoiding the use of tobacco products and secondhand smoke as much as possible
- Minimizing your alcohol consumption
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Limiting your exposure to the sun, especially your lips
- Practice Monthly Self Examinations
Monthly Self Evaluations
One of the best things you can do to detect oral cancer symptoms early is to practice monthly self-exams. If you are not currently doing so, please follow these step by step instructions.
- If applicable, remove dentures or other orthodontic appliances
- Tilt your head to examine the roof of your mouth
- Feel inside your gums to see if there are any abnormalities or new growths
- Use your index finger to fishhook and stretch out your cheeks. As you do, closely observe the surrounding teeth and gums to see if there are any abnormalities or new growths
- Massage or prod your jaw and/or neck to see if there are any signs of enlarged glands or lumps
In addition to this self-exam, be sure to contact your periodontist if you are experiencing or notice any of the following for a prolonged period of time:
- Red and white patches
- Lumps and/or masses that suddenly develop in your neck
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
- Sores that are bleeding or do not heal
- Difficulty swallowing
If you have experienced any suspicious changes to your oral health or suddenly felt any lumps that you have not noticed before, it is critical that you schedule an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible. We understand the urge to ignore issues until they go away, but addressing issues early can help prevent serious issues from developing.
Oral Cancer Exam Cost
Like most dental procedures, the final cost will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case, where you are located geographically, and what type of insurance plan you currently have. Our practice does accept most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional), and PPO out-of-network.
Our staff will be happy to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so you can determine what your benefits will be. Or, if you are not currently covered by insurance or have concerns about the final cost, our staff will be happy to discuss other financial arrangements with you.
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for an oral cancer screening is an important step in taking care of your health and well-being. Please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.