Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screenings

Oral, head, and neck cancers can seriously affect your smile, and if left untreated, they may even become life-threatening. At Black Diamond Dental in Pagosa Springs, CO, we offer comprehensive screenings to detect these conditions early. If you’ve noticed unusual changes in the soft tissues of your mouth, schedule a screening with Dr. Justin Nylund as soon as possible.

Early detection is key. Many oral cancers are highly treatable when caught in the initial stages, but they are often not diagnosed until they have progressed. We recommend receiving an oral cancer screening at least once a year, which can conveniently be performed during your routine dental exams.

These screenings help detect cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, sinuses, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palates, and other areas of the head and neck. Watch for common warning signs, including:

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

• Lumps, bumps, or rough spots on the gums, lips, or head and neck

• Discolored tissue in the mouth (red, white, or red-and-white patches)

• Persistent sore throat or the sensation of something stuck at the back of your throat

• Sores on the face, neck, or inside the mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within a couple of weeks

• Numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the face, neck, or mouth

• Ear pain

• Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing

• Changes in how dental appliances fit or how your bite feels

If you experience any of these symptoms or have questions about your oral health, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Justin Nylund and our team at Black Diamond Dental are committed to early detection and helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.