Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental in Bourbonnais Reminds Patients About Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Awareness Week is April 12-18, 2010

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Apr 01, 2010, 03:17 ET

SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Week, Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental (www.aspendent.com) is reminding patients in Bourbonnais and the surrounding areas about the importance of oral cancer screening and early detection. Oral Cancer Awareness Week runs from April 12-18, 2010.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer each year, and oral cancer is responsible for approximately 8,000 deaths annually. Oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, which means that the death rate is particularly high.

"Early detection is key. That's why regular dental care and oral cancer screenings are critically important," said Dr. Nadia Chowhan. "Oral cancer is not limited to the mouth, but can also be found on the lip and tongue or in the throat. It's important to identify any abnormalities as early as possible, when the cancer is most treatable."

Common risk factors for oral cancer include use of tobacco products (smoked and smokeless), excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. According to the American Cancer Society, possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer include: a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal; a lump or thickening; ear pain; a neck mass; coughing up blood; a red or white patch that persists; and difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw (www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/500809web.pdf).

"People who are experiencing any of these symptoms and have risk factors for oral cancer should receive a screening as quickly as possible," urges Dr. Nadia Chowhan.

In addition to conducting visual screening for oral cancer, Aspen Dental uses Vizilite Plus®, the most advanced technology in oral cancer screening. Vizilite Plus® uses a blue-light, "glowstick" technology that detects oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Located at N. State Route 50, the Aspen Dental office in Bourbonnais opened in November 2009 and recently surpassed 1,000 patient visits.

Wide Range of Services for Dental and Denture Patients

Dr. Nadia Chowhan and her team are committed to providing patients with high-quality denture and dental care services, ranging from preventive care to general dentistry to restoration. Services include comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office uses state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients.

Aspen Dental's exclusive ComfiDents® full and partial hand-crafted dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Bourbonnais office has its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

Providing Access to Comprehensive Care

Many patients do not visit the dentist regularly – according to a 2003 "National Call To Action To Promote Oral Health" by the U.S. surgeon general, fewer than two-thirds of adults report having visited a dentist in the previous 12 months.

Dr. Chowhan and staff in Bourbonnais work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need. That's why Aspen Dental offers convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance plans.

Additionally, to help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients that do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

The Bourbonnais office is open extended hours, including select Saturdays, and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, call 815-933-7779 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can visit www.aspendent.com and click "Make an Appointment" to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing providers of denture and dental care services in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 230 locations in 20 states. More than 350 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2009, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

SOURCE Aspen Dental