Oral Cancer

What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer is an abnormal, tumorous growth that can affect the head and neck region. There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of an oral cancer; it can either be a primary lesion originating from the head and neck tissues, or may have metastasized from another affected area in the body.
There are various different types of oral cancers, but the most common type seen in oncology departments and dental hospitals is the Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancerous lesions can either be benign or malignant, the latter has the potential to spread and affect other parts of the body, resulting in death of the patient in the absence of timely treatment. The prognosis of malignant oral cancers is generally poor as they can remain in the body affecting cells and tissues without exhibiting any prominent symptoms till the condition has metastasized or progressed extensively.

What are the symptoms of oral cancers?
It is difficult to diagnose cancer during its initial, developmental stages when all changes are taking place at cellular level. Mutations Oral cancer detection methodin the cell lead to the development of abnormal cells that can affect and damage healthy cells of the body, which is how cancer basically works. Well developed, prominent symptoms include red or white patches on oral soft tissues which do not resolve, it can also present as uneven margins or sores in the mouth causing discoloration of the natural tissue. Advanced symptoms include solid masses, warts, swellings, lumps or difficulty on breathing, chewing or opening the mouth completely.
Terms like ‘precancerous lesions’ or ‘premalignant lesions’ refer to any abnormal changes in the oral cavity that have the potential to progress into malignancy.

Oral Cancers

What are the factors responsible for causing oral cancers?
There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of a mouth cancer. The most common factors include excessive tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing tobacco, compromised immune system, frequent exposure to harmful radiation, viral infections and family history of cancers.
Tobacco, betel nut and alcohol consumption are leading causative factors of oral cancers. However, certain viruses also cause cancer of the mouth, the most prominent of which is the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV which is a sexually transmitted infection. A lifestyle that involves excessive smoking, alcohol drinking, multiple sexual partners or oral sex is most prone to cancer development.

How are cancers of the mouth diagnosed?
When an abnormal lesion is observed in the oral cavity, a biopsy is done to study its histology for the detection of mutated, cancerous cells. A definite diagnosis of cancer is made based on the results of the biopsy. Biopsy procedures are generally performed after administering local anesthesia at the affected site.

Can oral cancers be treated?
When the diagnosis has been established at an early stage, a multi-disciplinary approach is deployed for the treatment. This includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and dental and nutritional rehabilitation, and therefore involves a number of professionals. It is critical to prevent the metastasis of cancer to other parts of the body, and to destroy the abnormal cells at the region of their origin. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used for the destruction and removal of cancerous cells from the body, whereas dental and nutritional rehabilitation address dietary deficiencies and oral restorations.

At Anatuni Family Dental, we offer professional consultation and advice for lifestyle modifications that can ensure optimal health and prevent the development of oral cancers. Our team of surgeons and oncologists are perhaps the best in Chandler, AZ, and highly skilled in diagnosis, treatment and management of oral cancers. Get in touch with us today on 480-821-4000 and have all your questions and queries related to oral cancers addressed promptly by experts!

Invisalign Provider Logo

We are proud to be Gold Provider of Invisalign® treatment! Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule, with fewer doctor visits required (approximately once every six weeks).

Invisalign Clear Aligners

The Invisalign system straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. From mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, to much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite, Invisalign clear aligners effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems. Whether your teeth are widely gapped, overly crowded or somewhere in between, we have an affordable Invisalign teeth-straightening option just for you.

How to Wear Invisalign Clear Aligners

After your dentist gives you your custom-fit invisible aligners, you will wear the smooth plastic orthodontics 20-22 hours each day. You can remove your aligners to eat, which means you can continue enjoying all of your favorite foods without any restrictions. You will also remove your aligners to clean your teeth, so you don’t need to change the way you floss and brush each day, making good hygiene easy! The average treatment time for patients with Invisalign treatment is just around a year. This simple process will fly by and you’ll be loving your new and improved smile in no time.

Invisalign First for Kids

Some kids can benefit from early orthodontic intervention to help improve their bite and prevent future problems. Anywhere from ages 6-10 kids can benefit from this type of treatment known a phase 1. 

There is an option for this stage of orthodontia! It’s called Invisalign First. It is designed to deliver effective results for child who is still growing and developing. It is made for comfort, without the hassle of extra hygiene care or food restrictions.

Invisalign Teen Provider

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen comes with all of the same great benefits as the original Invisalign clear aligners, but with a few added features. Invisalign Teen utilizes a Blue Dot Wear Indicator to monitor the amount of time that each aligner is worn. We also provide six free replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen in case aligners become lost or broken.

If you’re interested in all of the Invisalign Teen advantages like increased comfort, shorter wear time, fewer appointments, and no food restrictions, give us a call today. We will make it easy for you to get your ideal smile.

Invisalign Treatment for Adults

We now offer Invisalign treatment for adults! Many adults are hesitant to straighten their teeth for many different reasons: The visible wires and brackets, extra care required, food restrictions and time visiting the dentists. Invisalign clear aligners frees you from all of these hassles. These clear, custom fitted appliances allow you to be treated without being noticed! Since they are removable, there is no extra hygiene care and you can eat whatever you like. You will also spend less time in the dentist chair, with an average of 1 visit per 6 weeks. There has never been a better time and easier way to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign Clear Aligner Results

Invisalign treatment is not only convenient and easy, but effective.  Take a look at some of the results:

Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Invisalign Before & After Results
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Invisalign Chandler, AZ
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Invisalign Before & After Results
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Invisalign Treatment Cost

Invisalign clear aligners are similarly priced to braces. Price depends on the complexity and length of treatment.  The good news is that there are several options.  Your insurance may cover part of the cost if you have orthodontic coverage. Our treatment coordinator will be happy to look up your benefit and go over specific coverage with you.  If you don’t have orthodontic coverage,

Let's do it!

Ready for your free consultation?  Call our East Office location 480-821-4000. If you want to learn more about Invisalign® treatment and how it works, please visit the Invisalign® Website!

Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Itero Element 5D

iTero Element 5D       Just one scan! 

First intraoral scanner that aids in the detection of interproximal caries lesion1Scan the structures of a tooth (enamel & dentin) in real time and watch as the iTero Element 5D’s near-infrared imaging2 (NIRI) technology reveals the internal tooth structure without using harmful radiation.

iTero Element 5D       Just one scan! 
  • Aids in detecting and monitoring proximal caries by scanning at every routine appointment, without using harmful radiation
  • Distinguish enamel and dentine structure for even better prosthetic design
  • Support your diagnostic capabilities for comprehensive preventive and restorative oral care
  • Combine the power of diagnostic, restorative, and Invisalign workflows in a single, comprehensive scan
Learn more