Dr. Dang takes a stand against oral cancer using OralID™ Fluorescence Technology.
Beechnut Dental Care joined forces with Forward Science, the manufacturer of OralID™, and became a provider of the ID For Life™ Program to promote early detection and public awareness of oral cancer in the office. Dr. Dang will be offering enhanced oral cancer screenings during scheduled appointments to new and current patients.
Dr Dang uses an oral cancer screening device, OralID, in efforts to discover oral cancers in their earliest stages. Currently, 70% of oral cancers are found in late stages (stage III, IV), resulting in a 5-year survival rate around 60%. Finding these abnormalities in much earlier stages can increase the 5-year survival rate up to 80-90%.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will look inside your mouth for any signs of abnormal lesions or sores. They will also feel around your gums, cheeks, and roof of your mouth for any lumps or irregular patches.
What sets an OralID oral cancer examination apart from a traditional screening is the addition of “fluorescence technology.” During your appointment, your dentist will use a specialized blue light to better visualize any cancer or pre-cancer abnormalities. This new device allows dentists to see issues they might have missed using traditional screening methods.
Oral cancer screenings do not require extra preparation and are typically performed during routine dental check-ups. If you notice any changes to the inside of your mouth or have any questions about your oral screening options, please contact us today to schedule an examination to catch any issues before they become more serious problems.
If your dentist finds abnormalities during your oral cancer screening, they will either schedule you for a follow-up examination to see if there are any changes or if the sore has healed after a week, or they might refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment. Your specialist will likely perform one of two tests to determine an official diagnosis: cytology or biopsy.
Your dentists should be able to provide the results of your oral cancer screening immediately after the examination. However, if you are referred to a specialist for further diagnosis, it typically takes three to five days to receive the results of your cytology or biopsy testing.
While there is no cut-and-dry cause for developing oral cancer, research shows that there are a number of factors that may increase your risk. These risk factors include:
Even though a large percentage of people diagnosed with oral cancer have one of these risk factors, it is still important you get regular screenings as anyone can develop cancer regardless of their health. Speaking with your dentist about your risk factors and how you can take steps to reduce these factors is vital in maintaining your health and quality of life.
The number one benefit of getting regular oral cancer screenings is early detection. When cancer is found early, it is often at a lower stage, and the chances for successful treatment are higher. Because oral cancer mortality rates are so high, early detection can reduce your risk of death by detecting suspicious legions before they become cancerous. This early detection can also catch oral cancer before it has the opportunity to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body as it progresses and becomes more damaging.
Oral cancer screenings are crucial because:
Most dental professionals recommend:
Everyone should receive regular oral cancer screenings, but they’re particularly important for people with risk factors:
Yes, Beechnut Dental Care employs advanced screening technologies including:
Remember that not all suspicious findings indicate cancer—many turn out to be harmless abnormalities. Beechnut Dental Care’s thorough approach ensures that any concerns are properly addressed with the appropriate level of care.
Basic visual and tactile oral cancer screenings are typically included in routine dental examinations, which are usually covered by dental insurance. However, coverage for advanced screening technologies varies:
Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
While not all oral cancers can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk by:
Between professional screenings, be alert for:
Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Survival rates for oral cancer depend heavily on when it’s detected:
This dramatic difference highlights why regular screening is so crucial—early detection literally saves lives.
At Beechnut Dental Care, we take your health seriously. Dr. Dang brings over a decade of experience in dentistry and has dedicated years to continuing education to stay ahead of advancements in dental care. His commitment to using the latest technology, like OralID™, for early detection of oral cancer reflects our passion for patient care. We focus on providing personalized attention, ensuring every patient receives a screening tailored to their needs in a comfortable and safe environment.
With a history of academic excellence, numerous prestigious awards, including the Hanau Best of the Best Award in Prosthodontics, and advanced training in areas like cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, implants, and orthodontics, Dr. Dang is deeply committed to your oral health. If you’re in need of an oral cancer screening or have any concerns, don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Call us today at (713) 839-0900 or reach out via our contact form. We’re here to help keep your smile healthy and protected.
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Our team offers several options for preventative care that range from screenings to professional cleanings:
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
A dental emergency is any oral health situation requiring immediate treatment (within 24 hours). This includes severe dental pain, profuse bleeding, knocked-out teeth, loose adult teeth, cracked teeth, lost crowns or fillings causing pain, and dental infections. Without prompt treatment, these conditions typically worsen and can lead to more serious complications.
If your tooth is knocked out (avulsed):
To manage severe tooth pain temporarily:
For a cracked or broken tooth:
A lost filling or crown becomes an emergency when it causes significant pain, sharp edges that damage soft tissues, or exposes a nerve. Temporary solutions include using dental cement from a pharmacy to reattach a crown or placing sugar-free gum in the cavity. See your dentist within 1-2 days to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Yes, untreated dental infections can become life-threatening if infection spreads to surrounding tissues, sinuses, or bloodstream. Warning signs of a serious infection include facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, severe pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms require immediate emergency care as they can lead to sepsis or airway obstruction.
A home dental emergency kit should include:
You should think of preventative dentistry as a high-yield investment in your oral health future. Protecting your teeth today means fewer visits to the dentist in the future, healthier teeth, and a happy smile. Call Beechnut Dental Care today to get started!
Copyright 2025 Beechnut Dental Care. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | ADA Compliance
