Oral Cancer

The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of all the cancers we hear about on a more regular basis.

The rate is so high not only because it is hard to diagnose, but due to the fact that is is discovered late in its development. It is often discovered when it has spread to another location, often times the lymph nodes of the neck.

Oral cancer screening and early detection is key to a favorable prognosis.

One of the reasons oral cancer is so dangerous is that the early stages may not be noticed by the patient. There are several types of oral cancer, but 90% are squamous cell carcinomas.

More recent data leads us to believe the fastest growing segment of oral cancer are non smokers under the age of 50.

Risk Factors

- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- HPV (human papilloma virus)

HPV is sexually transmitted between partners and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence in young non-smoking oral cancer patients. It should be noted that tobacco use in all forms is the number one risk factor in people over 50. However, for people under 50, HPV is replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent in the initiation of the disease process.

Signs & Symptoms

- white or red patch in the mouth
- small indurated ulcer
- lump or mass
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- wart-like mass
- hoarseness (lasting a long time)
- numbness is oral/facial region
- persistent ear ache

Have any sore or discolored area that does not heal within 14 days looked at by a dentist or doctor.

Patients with Dentures should also be checked yearly.

The above information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan.

Participating Vs. Non-Participating Dental Insurance Providers

So, what is the difference between a participating and a non-participating dentist with an insurance company??

A participating provider chooses to enter into a contractual agreement, agreeing to accept the benefits that the insurance company is willing to pay for a particular procedure as payment in full.

A non-participating provider does not enter into a contractual agreement; and, therefore, is not bound by the limits of what a particular insurance company is "willing" to pay for a procedure.

Here's a way to look at this insurance scenario:

A participating dentist is working "FOR" the insurance company, as he or she is being governed by them as to what he or she will receive as payment. Keep in mind that participating dentists need to see a volume of patients to close the monetary gap that the insurance company leaves open. In most cases, the quality of care can be affected due to the fact that they have to see more patients to cover their overhead. Procedures may be recommended which are more costly. Treatment can be guided by covered procedures and fee scheduled rather than by chosen treatment plan by patient and dentist.

A non-participating dentist is working for YOU, the patient. He or she is not willing to accept the much lower payments for their procedures, and is not willing to sacrifice the quality of care in order to see a volume of patients. By not participating, decisions regarding your treatment are made between you and your dentist based upon YOUR dental needs and YOUR desires rather than the plan restrictions of the insurance policy.

Of course, the insurance companies encourage you to see participating providers, as they keep more money in their pockets when that situation exists. This is a common practice with insurance companies.

The bottom line is choose a provider that you trust, feel comfortable with, and provides you with quality care. After all, you are the patient and you do have a choice. Although many patients do not have any dental insurance, many of those who do have dental insurance have chosen our practice for all of these reasons.