ORAL CANCER SCREENING in Boulder, CO

The Vital Role Of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment. It covers cancers in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. About 53,000 new oral cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the US. Early detection is key for successful treatment and better outcomes. It improves the chances of effective treatment and survival. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment harder and reducing positive outcomes.

Oral Cancer Has a high mortality risk rate

At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, 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.

Dental Cleanings and Examinations for Children

Unfortunately, no. Most people never have an oral cancer screening, and this is why the cancer is not detected at an early stage. At our Boulder, CO dental practice, we suggest that you visit us for a screening right away if you have never received one. Otherwise, you can generally have this done bi-annually. If you live in or near the Boulder area, call (303) 578-5800 to schedule an appointment with our office.

How frequently should I have an oral cancer screening?

We recommend that you visit our Boulder, CO dentist office for your first exam. Based on your risk factors and what we see, we will let you know how frequently you need an examination. If you are a high-risk patient, we may suggest annual screenings.

Who is susceptible to getting oral cancer?

The common misconception is that only older men get oral cancer. It used to be that men got oral cancer at a 10:1 ratio to women. Over time, the statistics have changed, most likely because the habits of men and women are now more similar. With more women drinking alcohol and smoking, the published ratios are now 2:1. Recently, medical research has proven that some strains of the HPV virus also cause oral cancer. This has changed the way we look at this cancer and who we need to screen for it. The HPV virus can be contracted as early as the teenage years, meaning that both men and women, seniors and teens, could come down with this terrible disease. We recommend that all adults be screened for oral cancer. However, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or know you have the HPV virus, you should be particularly diligent about doing so.

Do We treat oral cancer?

No, at PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, 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 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 Boulder area so they can perform further tests and then discuss treatment options with you.

When to call us?

You can be the first line of defense when it comes to catching oral cancer. We recommend 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.

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.

What does an oral cancer screening entail?

At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, 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, we 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 dental office. We guarantee that the test is gentle and that you should feel comfortable during it.

Meet Our Doctors

Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team

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Dr. Kwiatkowski

Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

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Dr. Hearne

Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.

Dr. Olsen

I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.

Smile Gallery

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Google Reviews

Patient-centered dental care that exceeds expectations

Yvette Salas

5/5
September 27, 2024
All of the staff are so amazing and caring. I received an all on 4 denture and feel amazing. Dr K truly is the best and does outstanding work. Love this place.

WignallSignal

5/5
September 27, 2024
Great experience! I have a lot of anxiety at the dentist and that was probably the best experience I’ve ever had. From the front desk to the procedure. A + and I’ll be back!

robert zeller

5/5
September 5, 2024
So far I am way impressed and Happy!!!! The whole place treats you like family and you can tell they truly care about their patients! I haven’t had my implants put in yet , but they got me in very quikly and I can’t wait!!! I will leave another review after I have the surgery!Thank You Everyone at Peak View Dentistry! Robert Zeller

Tom medina

5/5
July 28, 2024
I would have to say over my time being at any Dentist This Is far and beyond the best service I’ve ever received from walking in and schedule an appointment with Ashley. She was so wonderful. Took her time to listen to me and show me what was best then I met Dr. K and he was beyond and far, a very nice person. He generally could tell he really cared and took the time to teach me what was best for me not what was best for him It was a great experience to get a complete implant with Very little pain there’s a lot of dentist out there might happen to be an hour and a half away and it was worth the drive. Thank you.

M S

5/5
July 18, 2024
Dr. K and team are amazing – super responsive (e.g., fixed a tooth after hours when I had a flight the next day), really good technically, with high tech/modern equipment, which makes for fast and aesthetic work. And, importantly, just a joy to interact with, and have been consistent across the ~2 years we’ve been seeing them (whole family goes to them for everything). It’d give 10 stars if I could.

Andrea Haines

5/5
June 27, 2024
The nice Dentist and his consultant were very easy to talk to and learn what the possibilities are to improve my smile. Very gentle and I am excited to improve my smile!!

Steve DeHerrera

5/5
June 26, 2024
Peakview Dentistry is a hidden gem in the heart of Boulder. Dr. Adam Kwiatowski and his staff are so professional and nice. I have been to several dentists and this one is hands down the best! I want to thank the team. Everyone in the team was wonderful! All I can add is what a wonderful experience! Great Job everyone!

Kari Stark

5/5
June 13, 2024
I had part 1 of a surgery done prior to moving to Colorado. It left me with major anxiety to have the next step done. Dr. Kwiatowski, Ashley, and… forgive me, but she knows… Cherry have made my experience so comfortable. The surgical assistants were also great and accomodated my nerves well. The clinic is clean, comfortable, and as the name implies, offers a great view. I’m so glad to have found you!!

Complete Care for Your Family

You can rest assured that your smile and those of your loved ones are in the very best of hands at PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry As your dentist in Boulder, Colorado we maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence, providing skilled, state-of-the-art treatment to achieve exceptional results of care.

Complete Care for Your Family

You can rest assured that your smile and those of your loved ones are in the very best of hands at PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry As your dentist in Boulder, Colorado we maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence, providing skilled, state-of-the-art treatment to achieve exceptional results of care.

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Can Dental Implants Work for You?

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