Oral Cancer Screening IN Matteson, IL

What You need to know about oral cancer screenings

At Progressive Dental & Associates, we encourage you to schedule an oral cancer screening today. If you have not yet taken this life-saving measure, you should. Oral cancer is a disease not frequently discussed. There are few, if any, advertising campaigns, walks, or fundraisers supporting its treatment. Still, oral cancer claims one life every day in the United States. The reason for the high mortality rate is that most people do not seek medical help until the cancer has advanced. As with all forms of cancer, early detection and treatment are critical to the ability to be cured. Therefore, the sooner you know that you are at risk for cancer or are developing signs of it, the better your chances are of beating it.

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What Does An Oral Cancer Screening Entail?

At Progressive Dental & Associates, we will look for signs of abnormal tissue. Typically, we will see visible symptoms like red and white bumps, hard lumps, rough patches, or changes in the position of your teeth. Much of the screening is done visually. However, Dr. Durr will also feel your cheeks and the inside of your mouth while wearing gloves. This is to identify whether or not you have any strange or hard lumps within this tissue. Remember, oral cancer can impact all areas of the mouth, so the examination must be thorough.

Since technology is constantly improving, we may use other testing resources when you come in and will be happy to discuss the process with you when you visit our 60443 dental office. We guarantee that the test is gentle and that you should feel comfortable during it.

How frequently should I have an Oral Cancer Screening?

We highly recommend scheduling your first exam at our Matteson, IL dentist office. During this visit, our dental team will assess your risk factors and evaluate your oral health. Based on our findings, we will provide guidance on the recommended frequency of future examinations.

For individuals deemed high-risk, we may advise annual screenings to ensure early detection and proactive management of any potential oral health concerns.

Understanding Oral Cancer Vulnerability

Changing demographics and misconceptions

The common misconception is that only older men get oral cancer. Previously, oral cancer had a 10:1 ratio of occurrence in men compared to women. However, over time, the statistics have changed due to shifting habits between genders. As women have started drinking alcohol and smoking more, the published ratios now stand at 2:1.

Recommendations for diligent screening

If you engage in habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or have been diagnosed with the HPV virus, it is crucial to be particularly diligent about oral cancer screening. These risk factors heighten the importance of regular check-ups to ensure any signs or symptoms of oral cancer are detected at an early stage.

Importance of oral cancer screening

Dr. Durr emphasizes the importance of oral cancer screening for all adults. However, individuals who smoke, drink alcohol, or know they have the HPV virus should be particularly diligent about regular screenings. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of successful recovery.

Role of HPV and its impact

Recent medical research has revealed that certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause oral cancer. This discovery has reshaped our understanding of the disease and the individuals who need to be screened for it. The HPV virus can be contracted as early as the teenage years, meaning that both men and women, seniors, and teenagers are susceptible to developing this devastating disease.

Do You Treat Oral Cancer?

No, at Progressive Dental & Associates, we do not treat oral cancer. We help to catch it. When it comes to cancer, early detection is of critical importance. It can literally save your life. Since we are the most familiar with how your mouth looks normally, we are the best prepared to identify any abnormalities. If we see anything that looks like pre-cancer or cancer, we will may perform a biopsy. This is where a portion of the tissue is taken from your mouth for further testing.

In some cases, we may refer you directly to an oncologist in the 60443 area so they can perform further tests and then discuss treatment options with you.

How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?

The most important thing you can do for decreasing your risk is to stop chewing smokeless tobacco products. This is the biggest historical risk for developing oral cancer. While it is better for your lungs than smoking cigarettes, it can increase your risk for oral cancer by 60 times! You should also stop smoking all tobacco products and limit how much alcohol you drink. It does not appear that alcohol in limited quantities is dangerous, but if you drink regularly or binge drink, you are at a greater risk. You also need to limit your sun exposure and prevent sunburns whenever possible.

As for the HPV virus, you should speak with your general physician to find out if you are a candidate for the vaccine. You may also want to be tested to find out if you already have the virus.

When To Call Us

You can be the first line of defense when it comes to catching oral cancer. Dr. Durr recommends that you spend a few seconds examining your mouth after brushing your teeth. All you need to do is run your tongue along your cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. If you notice any rough patches, lumps or bumps, make note of it. Do the same thing a few days later. If what you felt was the result of being sick or eating food that was too abrasive, it should go away after a few days. When it doesn’t, you need to call our office for an oral cancer screening and examination.

The other thing to watch for is teeth that move for no particular reason. If they are pushed out of place, something must have been pushing them. Occasionally, that something is cancer.

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Meet Our Doctor

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Robert D. Durr, D.M.D. F.I.C.O.I.

Robert D. Durr, D.M.D.

Dr. Robert D. Durr graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Durr attends countless hours of continuing education at post-doctoral symposiums all over the country every year. Dr. Durr is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and member of DOCS. Since he began practicing dentistry, he has kept up-to-date on many of the latest products, procedures and dental technology, ensuring that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care possible.

Testimonials From Our Patients

We are thrilled to offer exceptional services that exceed expectations!

Patty Cahue

December 12, 2023

I highly recommend Dr Durr at Preogressive Dental in Matteson, he and his Staff are kind and caring. Dr Durr is very gentle when caring for your teeth. He also explains what the plan of care is before he treats you and is letting you what he is doing as he goes!! His assistant is there making sure you are ok at all time.. I love the office staff!!

Andrea Wiley

November 28, 2023

Dr. Durr office took care of my problem right away. They were very prompt and showed exceptional care. I appreciate all the I tentativeness on my teeth. Thank you so much ☺️

Romaine C

November 9, 2023

The service was really great!! They all definitely made me feel comfortable about the procedure that I was going to be getting done. The staff was amazing! I definitely recommend them!!

Michael Usher

October 24, 2023

Always great service. Every time I come best Dentist office in the city. I would tell you to come by, but I don’t want you to know about my hidden jewels Progressive Dental

Edwina Thomas-Bull

October 23, 2023

I am doing this review for my husband Robert. He says that his experience was awesome! The assistants are awesome & the dentist was fantastic. He says makes him more comfortable thinking about any future visits he may have since he’s always apprehensive & nervous about dental visits. Great place he says

Andrea Siegmeyer

October 3, 2023

Staff was very friendly and professional. Dr. Durr was kind and gentle. Did not feel rushed and he answered all of my questions. He even asked permission to touch my teeth because I told him I was having pain. No dentist has ever done that. I am an extremely fearful patient and I felt comfortable and cared for during my visit. Thank you!

Donna G

September 26, 2023

I’ve had a good experience working with the Progressive Team. The office is very clean, the staff is polite and very prompt, the longest I’ve waited was maybe 5 minutes. So you can beat that.

Nadine

September 11, 2023

Today was my first visit to the dental office. I must say, everyone from the reception desk to the exam room were exceptionally nice and helpful. Dr. Durr was excellent and answered all of my questions.

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Be Proactive - Protect Yourself with an Oral Cancer Screening

Don’t let oral cancer go undetected – book a free Oral Cancer Screening in our office now to protect yourself! With early detection, you have the best chances at successful treatment and an improved quality of life. Act today to make sure your health is protected and protected for years to come.