Our Services

Head and Neck Pathology

The oral surgeons at Dr. Patty Miami are experts at diagnosing and treating oral, head, and neck conditions. Through a comprehensive head and neck examination, your doctor can carefully inspect the tissues, organs, and bones surrounding these areas to check for signs of oral cancer and other pathologies.

It’s a Matter of Health

Oral cancer is a serious health problem affecting more than 50,000 Americans each year. Unfortunately, this cancer’s mortality rate is fairly high, not because it’s hard to diagnose or treat, but because oral cancer is usually discovered very late in its development.

Early detection and treatment greatly improve the outcome of many oral pathologies, including oral cancer. If you are at increased risk of oral cancer, you should see a qualified dental professional, like the oral surgeons at Dr. Patty Miami, regularly for screenings.

Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer. And men over 50 seem to face even greater risk. Other risk factors for developing oral cancer include:

Smoking. Cigarette smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers.
Smokeless tobacco. If you dip, snuff, or chew tobacco, you are 50 times more likely to develop cheek, gum, or lip cancer.
Alcohol. Oral cancers are almost six times more common among drinkers than nondrinkers.
Family history of cancer.
Excessive sun exposure.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your dentist at Dr. Patty Miami can detect oral cancer and early head and neck pathologies through routine screenings.

Why Choose Dr. Patty?

For Consultation Call Now: (305) 735-3002

Excellent dental care and outstanding customer service are not the only things that set us apart. At Dr. Patty Miami, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond the mark to offer our clients an upscale, anxiety-free experience at every visit.

Discover the exclusive perks offered at Dr. Patty Miami:

Numbness reversal

Numbness can be limiting, affecting one’s speech, smile, and ability to drink after a visit. Dr. Patty’s reversal process allows clients to leave the dental boutique and carry on with their day as if nothing happened, so you don’t have to worry about canceling your engagements after your procedure.

Laser

The professionals at Dr. Patty Miami are committed to your health and wellness. That’s why we use lasers to offer a safe, anxiety-free dental experience without drills and scalpels. This innovative laser technology has several advantages, including minimal intervention and, in most cases, little-to-no anesthesia.

Sedation dentistry

Multiple options for a more comfortable and nerve-free experience.

Personal Concierge Service

We can arrange everything from RedCap or limo transportation to and from your appointment to making nearby lunch or dinner reservations for after your appointment.

Advanced Digital Surround X-Rays

Minimal exposure, more precise, and digitally stored for your convenience.

State-of-the-art technologies and facilities

Complimentary wine & Nespresso coffee bar, hot towel service, temple massage therapy, paraffin treatments, music & movie selections are just a few of the amenities you’ll find at our ultra-chic, upscale facilities.

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Checking For Oral Cancer: The Head And Neck Exam

While it might be frightening to find a lump or a sore, know that these don’t automatically indicate the presence of cancer. Your oral surgeon at Dr. Patty Miami can help identify your signs and symptoms and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

We perform oral cancer screenings and head and neck exams to detect signs of cancerous or precancerous cells in the mouth.

A head and neck exam typically involves two parts. First, your dentist will check your lips, skin, eyes, lymph nodes, glands, and bone structure around your head and neck. The purpose of this part of the exam is to feel for any lumps or irregular tissue that may indicate a problem.

Then, your doctor will look at the inside of your mouth to check for sores or discolored tissue in your gums, cheeks, tongue, and palate. In some cases, a special screening light or dye may be used to find unhealthy cells.

A Monthly Self-Exam Can Save Your Life

Make it a part of your regular routine to perform a quick self-exam each month. Using a small flashlight, a mirror, and clean hands, do the following:

Remove any dentures or appliances.
Examine the external surface of your lips. Then gently pull your lips to examine and feel all inside surfaces of your gums.
Pull each cheek and inspect its inside surface. Feel all areas with your fingers and note any irregularities or lumps.
Lift your tongue and examine the floor of your mouth. Keep an eye out for signs of discoloration, sores, or lumps.
Pull out your tongue and examine the top, bottom, and under its surface. Use your fingers to feel all these areas.
Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of your neck and lower jaw.

Call your dentist at Dr. Patty Miami immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or neck. Early detection can significantly improve the chance of successful treatment.