Oral Cancer Screenings

in Orange, CA

Worried about a sore in your mouth that just won't heal? Oral cancer screenings in Orange, CA, are a quick and painless way to catch problems while they're easiest to treat. A screening is part of every full exam with our team, so you can leave with peace of mind.

What is Oral Cancer Screenings

What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Look For?

An oral cancer screening is a check of your mouth, throat and neck for any changes that need attention. We check your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums and the roof of your mouth. Then we gently feel your neck and jaw for swollen lymph nodes. Early changes often aren't painful, so they can be easy to miss on your own.

Our screening is a visual and hands-on exam and doesn't use special lights or dyes. Most findings turn out to be harmless, such as a spot from biting your cheek or irritation from a sharp tooth.

If something needs a closer look, we will explain what we see. We may take a photo and recheck the area after a short wait, or refer you to a specialist for testing.

The Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings

Early Detection

Changes found early are usually easier to evaluate and treat, so regular screenings help you and our team act on them sooner.

Quick & Easy

The screening takes just a few minutes during your regular exam, with no needles, no special preparation and nothing extra to schedule.

Tracks Changes

We note anything unusual in your records and take close-up intraoral photos, so we can compare the area at your next visit.

The Oral Cancer Screenings Process

The screening is part of your regular exam and adds only a few minutes to it.

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Step 1

Health History

We ask a few questions about tobacco and alcohol use, any past findings, and any sore, lump or patch you may have noticed lately.

Step 2

Visual Exam

Using a bright light and a small mirror, we carefully check your lips, cheeks and tongue. We also look at your gums, the roof of your mouth and your throat.

Step 3

Hands-On Check

We feel along your jaw, neck and the soft tissues of your mouth for any lumps, swelling or tender areas that need a closer look.

Step 4

Intraoral Photos

If a spot looks unusual, we take intraoral photos, so we can compare it at a follow-up visit and see whether it has changed.

Step 5

Your Results

We share the results right away, and if an area should be rechecked, we let you know when to come back for a follow-up.

Our Difference

Part of Every Exam

The screening is included in every full exam, along with your gum, bite and jaw checks, so there's nothing extra to request.

A Whole-Body View

Dr. Lee is a member of the American Academy of Oral & Systemic Health, so we ask about your medications and habits as well as your teeth.

Clear, Honest Answers

If we find something, we explain in plain language what we see and what we recommend. You can ask as many questions as you like before you leave.

A Careful Check

We take time to check the sides of your tongue and the floor of your mouth, two areas that are easy to overlook in a quick exam.

Did you know…

Early changes in your mouth often aren't painful, so they can be easy to miss on your own.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call (714) 282-2525

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See Why Patients Are Smiling in Orange, CA

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My first visit was a wonderful experience. The entire staff was friendly, professional, and compassionate. My treatment plan was created efficiently and tailored to meet both my budget and scheduling needs. They made the process smooth and stress-free.
Lacy Lewis
I had a great experience. They were very thorough and very nice.
David Stark
I had an exceptional experience at Dr. Desai’s dental practice! Dr. Desai stood out with his thorough and thoughtful approach. During my visit, he explained every detail of the procedures in a way that was clear and easy to understand. His patience and expertise put me completely at ease, and his gentle technique made the process comfortable. I left feeling confident in my dental health and highly recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled and communicative dentist!
H Teng
most caring doctor's and office staff. they all ways check on you in-between visit. You never have to wait and everything is so well explained before they begin. Everyone is so friendly and professional.
jasper spence
Thank you Dr Amin for taking your time to explain to me what I needed. Your staffs are awesome too! The office is so clean and truly professional. Best regards, Andy C Bui
Andy Bui
Dr Desai was excellent explaining everything going on with my teeth and the options I had for future treatment needed. Also his assistant was very kind and efficient, unfortunately I did not get her name. Rebecca at the front desk, greeted me with a smile and helped me on my way out. I left there with my teeth feeling squeaky clean. Thank you everyone as Dental Spa of Orange : ) Yvette
yvette ball
This was my first visit to a new Dentist in twenty years. I must say I was very impressed with the professionalism of the entire staff and the sophistication of the equipment that was skillfully used by the Doctor and attending technicians. Bettyana the hygienist was very attentive and explained everything to my understanding. The Doctor helped me to interpret the X-ray pictures and spot the trouble spots. He then designed a beautiful program to get me on track to arrest and hopefully reverse the until now neglected areas of my teeth and gums. Yanira the receptionist was very informative and explained how to set up my future dental maintenance program and even suggested a way to save money by recommending the Dental Spa and implant center of Orange to my family and friends. Which I will gladly do with confidence. Oh yeah and a shout out to the other front office workers named Rebecca and Karina who were heavily involved in getting me started on the eye opening, highly educational adventure. Thank you to all the team members of Dental Spa and implant center of Orange, I hold you all in high regard and pray God will bless your wonderful business and your families. Truly thankful, your new patient and cheerleader, Kevin Gilliam
Kevin Gilliam
Went in for a much needed check up and was instantly put at ease. The staff was very welcoming, with smiles and helpful service. All questions were answered and was reassured that the doctor would be able to help. The doctor was great. She was very descriptive on what was going on with my x-rays and I was immediately put at ease with her words. Will definitely be returning for another visit. Thanks again to the staff for all your help. Rebecca is the best.
Mike
I had been looking for a dentist to go to since I moved to Orange for college. Here they took all of the precautions they could for COVID and were super nice and helpful all throughout my appointment. It looks like I found my regular dentist in Orange.
Matthew Barnes
Clean office, friendly and very helpful staff… More importantly, wonderful and skillful dentists. Good work and very reasonable charges...
H Hasheminejad
Nice and clean place, the doctor is professional and reliable. The best dentist in the town!
Chen Yuee
We love the dental spa of Orange! Staff are great, dentists are wonderful, appointments are easy to get, facility is clean and well cared for. Highly recommend!
Sumaiya Rumaan
  • Lacy Lewis. 5 out of 5 stars. “My first visit was a wonderful experience. The entire staff was friendly, professional, and compassionate. My treatment plan was created efficiently and tailored to meet both my budget and scheduling needs. They made the process smooth and stress-free.”
  • David Stark. 5 out of 5 stars. “I had a great experience. They were very thorough and very nice.”
  • H Teng. 5 out of 5 stars. “I had an exceptional experience at Dr. Desai’s dental practice! Dr. Desai stood out with his thorough and thoughtful approach. During my visit, he explained every detail of the procedures in a way that was clear and easy to understand. His patience and expertise put me completely at ease, and his gentle technique made the process comfortable. I left feeling confident in my dental health and highly recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled and communicative dentist!”
  • jasper spence. 5 out of 5 stars. “most caring doctor's and office staff. they all ways check on you in-between visit. You never have to wait and everything is so well explained before they begin. Everyone is so friendly and professional.”
  • Andy Bui. 5 out of 5 stars. “Thank you Dr Amin for taking your time to explain to me what I needed. Your staffs are awesome too! The office is so clean and truly professional. Best regards, Andy C Bui”
  • yvette ball. 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr Desai was excellent explaining everything going on with my teeth and the options I had for future treatment needed. Also his assistant was very kind and efficient, unfortunately I did not get her name. Rebecca at the front desk, greeted me with a smile and helped me on my way out. I left there with my teeth feeling squeaky clean. Thank you everyone as Dental Spa of Orange : ) Yvette”
  • Kevin Gilliam. 5 out of 5 stars. “This was my first visit to a new Dentist in twenty years. I must say I was very impressed with the professionalism of the entire staff and the sophistication of the equipment that was skillfully used by the Doctor and attending technicians. Bettyana the hygienist was very attentive and explained everything to my understanding. The Doctor helped me to interpret the X-ray pictures and spot the trouble spots. He then designed a beautiful program to get me on track to arrest and hopefully reverse the until now neglected areas of my teeth and gums. Yanira the receptionist was very informative and explained how to set up my future dental maintenance program and even suggested a way to save money by recommending the Dental Spa and implant center of Orange to my family and friends. Which I will gladly do with confidence. Oh yeah and a shout out to the other front office workers named Rebecca and Karina who were heavily involved in getting me started on the eye opening, highly educational adventure. Thank you to all the team members of Dental Spa and implant center of Orange, I hold you all in high regard and pray God will bless your wonderful business and your families. Truly thankful, your new patient and cheerleader, Kevin Gilliam”
  • Mike. 5 out of 5 stars. “Went in for a much needed check up and was instantly put at ease. The staff was very welcoming, with smiles and helpful service. All questions were answered and was reassured that the doctor would be able to help. The doctor was great. She was very descriptive on what was going on with my x-rays and I was immediately put at ease with her words. Will definitely be returning for another visit. Thanks again to the staff for all your help. Rebecca is the best.”
  • Matthew Barnes. 5 out of 5 stars. “I had been looking for a dentist to go to since I moved to Orange for college. Here they took all of the precautions they could for COVID and were super nice and helpful all throughout my appointment. It looks like I found my regular dentist in Orange.”
  • H Hasheminejad. 5 out of 5 stars. “Clean office, friendly and very helpful staff… More importantly, wonderful and skillful dentists. Good work and very reasonable charges...”
  • Chen Yuee. 5 out of 5 stars. “Nice and clean place, the doctor is professional and reliable. The best dentist in the town!”
  • Sumaiya Rumaan. 5 out of 5 stars. “We love the dental spa of Orange! Staff are great, dentists are wonderful, appointments are easy to get, facility is clean and well cared for. Highly recommend!”

Book an Appointment

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings are part of every full exam, so you can book your next visit online. If a sore has lasted more than two weeks, please call us so we can try to see you sooner at (714) 282-2525.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (714) 282-2525 to speak with our team.

Does an oral cancer screening hurt?

An oral cancer screening is quick and comfortable, with nothing scraped or injected. We look closely at your mouth and lightly feel your jaw and neck, and we may hold your tongue with a piece of gauze to see its sides. It adds only a few minutes to your exam.

What are the warning signs of oral cancer?

Common warning signs include a sore, a red or white patch, or a lump that hasn't healed in about two weeks. Hoarseness, trouble swallowing or numbness in your mouth that doesn't go away are also worth mentioning. If you notice any of these, call us and let us know how long the spot has been there.

Is the screening covered by insurance?

Usually, yes, because the screening is part of your routine exam. It's covered the same way as your checkup, which most plans cover well. Patients with Connection Dental, Tricare or Delta Dental plans get in-network benefits here, and we're glad to look up your coverage.

I don't smoke. Do I still need a screening?

Yes, a regular screening is a good idea for every adult. Tobacco and heavy drinking raise the risk, but oral cancer can also affect people who have never smoked, including cancers linked to HPV. Years of strong sun can raise the risk of lip cancer too, so wearing a lip balm with SPF outdoors is a good habit.

What happens if you find something?

Most spots we flag turn out to be harmless, but we'll make sure yours gets a proper second look. We will explain what we see and either recheck it after a short wait or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy, which is a small tissue sample tested in a lab. You'll leave knowing exactly what the next step is.

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