Brookhaven Dental in Norman, OK
Oral Cancer Screening in Norman
Early detection saves lives. At Brookhaven Dental, our oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and part of your regular dental exam — because your health matters.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a preventive service designed to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth at the earliest, most treatable stages. At Brookhaven Dental in Norman, OK, we perform oral cancer screenings during your routine dental exams and cleanings.
Our experienced dentists use both visual and tactile methods to examine:
- Lips and cheeks
- Tongue and floor of the mouth
- Palate and throat
- Jaw and neck (for enlarged lymph nodes)
Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve outcomes — and it only takes a few minutes during your regular visit.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or health history. However, some factors may increase risk, including:
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Excessive sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of oral cancer
- Age 40 and up
Symptoms of oral cancer are often subtle in the early stages. Routine screenings help us catch abnormalities before they progress — sometimes before symptoms even appear.
Our screenings are painless, non-invasive, and included with every dental exam.
What We Look For During a Screening
During your screening, Dr. Jeff Brammer or Dr. Amber Bigbie will check for any of the following signs:
- Unusual lumps or thickened tissue
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Persistent sores that don’t heal
- Pain or difficulty chewing/swallowing
- Numbness in the tongue or lips
- Jaw stiffness or swelling
If anything suspicious is found, we may recommend a follow-up visit, further testing, or a referral to a specialist. Our priority is making sure you get answers and care as quickly as possible.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
We perform an oral cancer screening at every six-month dental checkup — unless you're at higher risk, in which case we may check more frequently.
Even if you don’t have symptoms or risk factors, screenings are still important. Many cases of oral cancer occur in patients with no obvious cause, making regular evaluations an essential part of overall health.
Trusted Preventive Care in Norman, OK
Brookhaven Dental is committed to whole-patient wellness. That’s why our preventive care goes beyond cleanings and cavities — we screen for signs of serious conditions to help you stay ahead of potential issues.
We proudly serve patients in:
- Norman
- Moore
- Noble
- Goldsby
- Hall Park
- Cleveland County and nearby areas
Explore all of our general dentistry services to see how we help patients of every age maintain long-term oral health.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening in Norman, OK
It only takes a few minutes to screen for oral cancer — and it could make all the difference. Schedule your dental exam at Brookhaven Dental and receive an oral cancer screening as part of your preventive visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral cancer screening included with my cleaning?
Yes. We perform a screening as part of every routine dental exam and cleaning, at no additional cost.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The process is completely painless and non-invasive. It involves a visual and manual exam of your mouth, jaw, and neck.
Who should get screened for oral cancer?
Everyone should be screened, regardless of risk level. However, those who use tobacco or alcohol, have HPV, or are over 40 are at higher risk.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
We will discuss our findings with you and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include monitoring the area, further testing, or referral to a specialist.
How can I reduce my risk of oral cancer?
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, use lip balm with SPF, practice safe oral habits, and maintain regular dental checkups with screenings every six months.
Implant placement is a surgical procedure, but it's typically done under local anesthesia or sedation. Most patients report minimal discomfort, often less than a tooth extraction.
Preventive Dental Care That Looks at the Bigger Picture
At Brookhaven Dental, your health is our priority. Visit us for a comprehensive dental exam that includes oral cancer screening and proactive care tailored to your needs.