Oral HPV Testing in Beverly Hills: Early Detection for Total Wellness

An oral HPV test is a simple screening used to detect the presence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in your mouth and throat. Specifically, we use this test to identify viral strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are the leading causes of oropharyngeal cancer. Furthermore, providing this test at Smile Angels of Beverly Hills allows us to catch potential issues long before visible symptoms appear.

What is an Oral HPV Test?

The oral HPV test is a non-invasive screening that differs significantly from a traditional physical exam or a biopsy. Traditionally, a dentist looks for visible red or white patches to screen for oral cancer. Conversely, the HPV test works at a molecular level to find the virus itself before any cellular changes or tumors actually form.

While a visual exam checks the surface of your gums and tongue, the HPV test uses DNA technology to scan for viral genetic material. Specifically, we look for high-risk genotypes that are known to cause cancers of the tonsils and the base of the tongue. Therefore, this test provides an extra layer of protection that a standard visual checkup simply cannot offer.

Choosing to include this test in your routine care helps you stay ahead of a virus that often has no symptoms. Consequently, many patients in Los Angeles now request this screening as part of their holistic health strategy. We use the latest PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing to ensure your results are accurate and provide you with total peace of mind.

The Treatment Process

The process is incredibly quick and is usually performed during your regular cleaning or checkup appointment. After we discuss your health history, I provide you with a specialized oral rinse or a small swab for the back of your throat. Subsequently, you simply swish the solution for about thirty seconds to collect enough surface cells for a valid sample.

During your visit to Smile Angels of Beverly Hills, the sample is sealed in a sterile tube and sent to our trusted pathology partners. The laboratory then uses advanced equipment to amplify any viral DNA present in the sample for a clear reading. Specifically, they check for the most dangerous strains of the virus to see if an active infection is present.

Once the lab finishes the analysis, I review the report and contact you to discuss the findings in private. If the test is positive, we simply monitor the area more closely or refer you to a specialist for a more detailed look. Therefore, the entire process is stress-free and fits perfectly into your busy Beverly Hills lifestyle without any downtime.

Cost and Financing

Investing in an oral HPV test is a proactive way to manage your long-term health and prevent serious illness. While most insurance plans focus on basic repairs, many patients find the value of early cancer detection well worth the modest laboratory fee. To help make this life-saving technology available to everyone, we offer clear pricing and various payment options. Please call our office today to schedule a free consultation and ask how we can add this test to your next visit.

HPV Testing with Dr. Vafa

I am dedicated to bringing the latest medical breakthroughs to my patients throughout West Los Angeles and Santa Monica. My practice was one of the first in the area to offer advanced oral HPV screening because I believe in treating the whole person, not just teeth. Furthermore, I work with top-tier laboratories like OmniPathology to ensure you receive the most reliable results possible. Because your safety is my top priority, I make sure every screening is handled with the highest level of care and confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the oral HPV test the same as a Pap smear? No, the oral HPV test specifically checks for the virus in the mouth and throat rather than the cervix. Specifically, it uses a simple rinse or swab instead of the more invasive methods used in other medical exams.

Does a positive test mean I have oral cancer? No, a positive result only means the virus is present in your mouth at the time of the test. Specifically, most people’s immune systems clear the virus naturally without it ever turning into a serious health problem.

How often should I get screened for oral HPV? I typically recommend this screening once a year for adults as part of a comprehensive oral cancer checkup. However, we can adjust this schedule based on your individual risk factors and your health history.

Can the HPV vaccine prevent oral cancer? Yes, the HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the specific viral strains that cause most oropharyngeal cancers. Furthermore, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to lower your long-term risk for these diseases.

Who is at the highest risk for oral HPV infections? While anyone can get the virus, it is most commonly found in men and women between the ages of 35 and 55. Specifically, lifestyle factors and a history of certain infections can increase your overall risk levels