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Kansas City Dentists and Oral Cancer Screenings: What You Should Know

Many of us have fears about going to the dentist. Whether it is the feeling of your teeth being cleaned or the sound of the drill, it is often not the most pleasant of experiences. However, as we sit down in the dentist’s chair, resigned to what comes next, the possibility of a cancer diagnosis is often not on our minds. Yet, an oral cancer screening may be an important part of your dental exam. A dentist who fails to conduct such an exam, or misses obvious signs of oral cancer, may have been negligent, and if you suffered harm because of it then you may need help from an experienced Kansas City medical malpractice lawyer.

Oral Cancer Screening
 
There is some controversy over whether dentists should provide oral cancer screenings and whether the failure to do so is a type of medical malpractice. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no one test or type of oral exam that has been proven to lower the risk of dying from oral cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing oral cancer screening with your dentist and making individual decisions. The American Dental Association recommends periodic oral cancer screenings for all adults.

That said, many dentists do perform oral cancer screenings during routine dental checkups. If your dentist notices something unusual, such as a lump or a sore that could be sign of oral cancer, then your dentist may suggest follow up tests or examinations.

When to Contact a Kansas City Medical Malpractice Lawyer
 
If you have suffered from oral cancer that could have, and should have, been caught by a dentist, then you may have suffered from medical malpractice, and you should contact an experienced Kansas City medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. You can reach a Kansas City dental malpractice lawyer today by calling (816) 471- 5111 or (888) 348-2616, and you can learn more about protecting your rights in our FREE book: The Truth About Medical Malpractice Claims.

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