Most people know that smoking and chewing tobacco increases your risk of developing oral cancer, but did you know that an HPV infection can cause oral cancer, even in people who have never used tobacco products? Up to 80 percent of Americans have some type of HPV infection, and most don’t even know it. Of the hundreds of strains of HPV, nine are linked to oral cancer.
In this video, learn about the link between HPV and oral cancer. Find out who is at risk of developing HPV-linked oral cancer, and what you can do to lower your chances of contacting HPV. You will also hear about the importance of annual oral cancer screenings to catch this often symptomless cancer early.
At the Center For Oral and Facial Surgery in San Diego, our skilled dentists and surgeons can perform these important screenings. Call us today at (619) 312-4417 to schedule an appointment.
Oral cancer can form anywhere in the head and neck, but it is primarily found on the tongue, lips, gums, and roof of the mouth. The symptoms of this kind of cancer are non-specific, meaning they can also be symptoms of many other less serious conditions. If you experience any of these five common symptoms, it is important to see your dentist or oral surgeon so they can determine whether the cause is oral cancer.
Sores and Blisters
Sores and blisters are common and can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations. However, if you have a sore or blister in your mouth or on your lip that doesn’t go away in two weeks, you should have it evaluated by a doctor.
Red and White Patches
Red and white patches in the mouth may signal the growth of abnormal cells. If you see a dentist as soon as you notice any patches, you may be able to catch these cells in a pre-malignant stage and treat them before they actually become oral cancer. Discolored mouth patches are one of the most frequently seen symptoms of oral cancer.
Earaches
Cancerous cells in your mouth can cause frequent earaches. If you routinely get earaches, see your doctor to ensure the cause is infection and not oral cancer.
Swallowing Difficulties
If you suddenly have trouble chewing food, swallowing, moving your tongue, or even speaking, oral cancer could be to blame. Report these issues to your dentist to determine the cause.
Tooth Shifts
Be aware of changes in your bite, loose teeth, or dentures that suddenly don’t fit correctly. Oral cancer can alter the structure of your jawbone and cause these changes.
Catching oral cancer early makes treating the disease easier. If you experience any of these symptoms, call us at the Center For Oral and Facial Surgery in San Diego. Our caring team of highly qualified oral surgeons can screen you for oral cancer, and if necessary, put you on the path to treatment. A member of our compassionate staff is always on hand to answer your questions, so call us now at (619) 312-4417.
When an adult tooth is lost, the jawbone may begin to atrophy, or it may be reabsorbed. For individuals that want to have a dental implant placed to replace their missing tooth, bone loss presents a barrier to having dental implants. Fortunately, oral surgeons are able to perform bone grafting and therefore dental implants may be placed.
Goals of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting allows oral surgeons to grow bone wherever it may be needed. When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth was tends to resorb. For patients who wish to avoid dentures and dental bridges, dental implants offer a viable option. However, deteriorating bone in the jaw can make it impossible for an oral surgeon to place a dental implant; there must be enough bone to hold the implant in place. With bone grafting, your oral surgeon can create the bone mass needed to be able to place a dental implant.
Bone Grafting Procedure
First, your surgeon may place a bone grafting material in the atrophied tooth socket. This material acts as a scaffold for your bone to grow across, regenerate, and calcify giving a solid foundation for the dental implant. In the event you are not planning to have dental implants this bone grafting material will help preserve your jaw bone. Commonly, a membrane is placed over the bone graft material acting as a barrier while the bone begins to regenerate. There are several types of membrane that may be used, some are non-resorbable and will have to be removed, others are resorbed. Following the procedure, you will need to schedule an appointment to assure that proper healing is taking place. This follow up appointment will also be used to evaluate bone height for dental implant and sizing. We will then be able to schedule your dental implant placement.
Do you have a missing tooth that you would like replaced with a dental implant? Have you lost jawbone at the site of your lost tooth? Turn to the experienced care of the oral surgeons at Center For Oral And Facial Surgery for help. You can schedule an appointment at one of our convenient San Diego locations by calling (619) 312-4417.
Dr. Giles is to be commended for his wonderful 'chair side' manner. His sense of humor was greatly appreciated and made my daughter and I feel relaxed.
