Oral Cancer Screenings in Aberdeen, SD

A dental checkup can catch more than cavities. Oral cancer often develops quietly, without pain or obvious symptoms, which means many cases go unnoticed until they reach a more advanced stage. A simple, painless screening during a regular visit can spot early warning signs long before they become serious, giving you the best chance at a positive outcome. For families in Aberdeen, that peace of mind starts with a practice that treats this screening as a core part of preventive care, not an afterthought.

At Smile Solutions, we build oral cancer screenings into our preventive dentistry program and include them at every routine visit. Dr. Amy Scepaniak and Dr. Aleaha Fettig Ledeboer have built our practice on compassion, caring, and community since 2009, and we are a locally owned, non-chain dental practice serving Aberdeen. That means the same familiar faces review your results every time, using the same thorough process, as part of our comprehensive dental services in Aberdeen. You will always know exactly who is looking out for your health and why it matters to us.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick, visual, and physical examination of your mouth, throat, tongue, and neck. Your dentist checks for unusual lumps, discoloration, sores, or texture changes that could signal early disease. It takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation, so we fold it into our broader preventive care routine rather than treating it as a separate appointment.

Because early-stage oral cancer rarely causes pain, most people would never notice a problem on their own. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that roughly 307,000 men and 145,000 women in the United States were living with oral cancer in 2022, with prevalence rising notably in adults over 50. Regular screening, alongside your other preventive visits, is one of the simplest ways to catch changes while treatment options are still straightforward.

Who Should Get Screened for Oral Cancer in Aberdeen, SD?

Oral cancer screenings benefit every adult patient, though certain habits and history raise your risk. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure on the lips, and a family history of cancer all increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Patients over 40 should be especially diligent about keeping up with preventive checkups.

That said, we recommend a screening at every routine visit regardless of age or risk factors, since younger patients are increasingly diagnosed with HPV related oral cancers. Pairing your screening with a routine dental exam and teeth cleaning protects your smile from decay and gum disease while also watching for something far more serious, all in one preventive care visit.

What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

While your dentist is trained to catch subtle changes, knowing what to watch for between visits can help you flag concerns early. Mention any of the following signs to your dental team as soon as you notice them:

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Persistent numbness, pain, or tenderness anywhere in the mouth or lips
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot on the inside of the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue

None of these symptoms automatically mean cancer, and many have simpler explanations. Still, any change that lingers beyond two weeks deserves a professional look rather than a wait-and-see approach, and your next preventive visit is a good place to start that conversation.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening at Smile Solutions?

Your screening begins with a visual check of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Dr. Scepaniak or Dr. Fettig Ledeboer will also gently feel your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for swelling or firmness that is not typical. If anything looks worth a closer look, we may use our digital imaging technology to document the area and monitor it over time, all as part of the same preventive visit that covers your cleaning and exam.

We also use our screening as a chance to talk through your personal risk factors and answer any questions honestly. If a spot needs further evaluation, we coordinate a referral quickly rather than leaving you to figure out next steps alone. This is the same attentive, unhurried approach our patients have come to expect from our team since we opened our doors in Aberdeen.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Aberdeen, SD With Smile Solutions

An oral cancer screening is a small, painless step that can make an enormous difference in catching disease early, when treatment is most effective. As part of our full preventive care approach, alongside your regular cleanings, exams, and other preventive services, it is one more way our team works to protect your long-term health. As Aberdeen’s only locally owned, non-chain dental practice, we bring the same familiar faces, careful attention, and genuine community connection to every visit.

If it has been a while since your last checkup, or you have noticed a change in your mouth that concerns you, don’t wait to have it checked. Call us at (605) 725-1500 or reach out through our contact form to schedule your oral cancer screening and take the next step toward lasting peace of mind.