Oral Cancer Exam Jacksonville, NC

Our Onslow County, NC dental practice, conveniently located on Dolphin Drive near First Citizens Bank on the Western Boulevard Extension, utilizes some of the most advanced dental technology available today. We are excited to offer our patients screenings with the Identafi® Oral Cancer Screening System, which uses special fluorescent and reflective technology to enhance what our dentists can visualize as they screen your mouth for anomalies like cancer cells or other dysplasia that may not be visible to the naked eye. Because gum disease and oral cancer share several risk factors—such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene—this screening works hand in hand with our gum disease prevention efforts to protect your long-term oral health. This screening is part of our commitment to preventive dental care, by helping you maintain a healthy mouth through early detection and proactive treatment before problems become serious.

Back in 2022, the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimated that 54,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancers affecting the mouth. Approximately 11,000 died from these conditions in 2022. In 2024, the Oral Cancer Foundation projected that by the end of the year, over 58,000 Americans would receive similar diagnoses, with about 12,250 of those cases resulting in death. These cancers currently account for 3% of all cancer cases in the country today, and unfortunately, those numbers are expected to rise. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, only about 57% of people newly diagnosed will be alive five years after diagnosis. Maintaining healthy gums through professional cleanings and good at-home care can support tissue health and reduce inflammation, which in turn makes it easier to detect abnormal changes early. Scheduling twice-yearly dental exams ensures consistent monitoring for early warning signs, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from serious oral health conditions.

• About 95% of oral cancers are in people aged 60
• The average age of diagnosis is 64
• Oral cancers are becoming more common in younger adults
• Oral cancer is more than twice as common in men as in women
• Approximately 75% are linked to behaviors that can be modified, like smoking, vaping, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Henry Schein Dental is the premier manufacturer of innovative dental technology, and we are proud to use the Identafi® Oral Cancer Screening System at our Jacksonville, NC, comprehensive dentistry practice. This life-saving tool gives our dentists the best picture of your mouth, teeth, and gums ever delivered with dental technology. It’s a quick, pain-free way to see any cell abnormalities in their early stages. Your dentist will review his findings with you and discuss any next steps should something of concern be detected. Most of our patients get a clean bill of health following their screening with the Identafi® wand. For patients receiving treatment for gum disease or tooth decay, Identafi® technology provides additional peace of mind by ensuring that no underlying tissue changes are overlooked.

Identafi® will detect any abnormal cells in the:

• Red patches and sores: On the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches that bleed easily or fail to heal
• Leukoplakia: A hardened white or gray lesion that can be anywhere in the mouth
• Lumps: Soreness, lumps, and any thickening of tissue in the throat or mouth

If you have never had an oral cancer exam, please call us today at (910) 353-5171. Our Jacksonville, NC dental office provides a relaxing, stress-free environment where patients can feel comfortable during every visit. Oral cancer screening with advanced technology is the key to early detection, and your Jacksonville dentist will carefully review and discuss any findings with you to ensure you feel informed and at ease. Combining preventive gum care with advanced oral cancer screening helps protect every aspect of your oral health—because a healthy smile begins with healthy tissue.