Dr. Farren Billue

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is when we start to see a change in the cells that become malignant within the mouth. The most common areas where we see this are the roof of your mouth and your tongue. It can also occur on your cheeks or on your gingiva, also known as your gums.

What causes oral cancer?

You can have some genetic predisposition. Smoking is one of the leading causes. Heavy alcohol usage, and a combination of alcohol and smoking, are also significant factors.

What are the early signs of cancer that patients should look out for?

If you have any type of lesion within your mouth, whether it be on your tongue or cheek, that does not go away after 10 days, it definitely needs to be evaluated and potentially biopsied to verify that it is not cancer. Especially if you have a sore throat that has not resolved or been diagnosed as an infection by your physician, it needs further investigation.

What are the most common symptoms for oral cancer?

Sometimes it's nothing. Sometimes it's feeling soreness in a particular spot or having a sore throat that doesn't go away.

Are there specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to appear?

Oral cancer often appears on the tongue. It can also occur on your lips, cheeks, the back of your throat, and the palate.

What is the connection between HPV and oral cancer?

In the past, smoking and alcohol usage were the primary causes, but we've seen that HPV, the virus, can cause cellular changes, leading to cancer. It's the same HPV that causes cervical cancer, and we're starting to see it cause oral and throat cancers today, especially in men. I recommend teenagers get their HPV vaccinations to help prevent not only cervical cancer but also oral cancer later in their lives.

How is oral cancer diagnosed during a dental visit?

Typically, if you're coming in for your cleaning appointment, your dentist will conduct a head and neck exam. During that exam, we feel along your neck for your lymph nodes. We also examine your mouth, checking the roof of your mouth and your tongue. I will pull your tongue out, move it side to side, which might seem silly, but that's where I'm looking for any changes in the tissues to ensure there are no suspicious lesions. If we find a suspicious lesion, we might ask you to return in a couple of weeks to see if it has resolved on its own. If it hasn't or if the lesion looks highly suspicious from the start, we will recommend a biopsy and send it to a pathologist for a full diagnosis by examining the cells under a microscope.

What are the current treatment options for oral cancer?

Initially, it's typically surgery to remove the area with mutated cells. Other times, radiation treatments and sometimes chemotherapy are employed. There's a large toolbox of knowledge and procedures available to ensure minimal treatment while securing your life and protecting your future.

You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Smiles of West Point, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (804) 494-4382 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.

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Personalized Dental Care Smiles of West Point

From routine check-ups to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we provide complete dental care tailored to your needs.

Dentist in West Point, VA

At Smiles of West Point, our focus goes beyond routine dental care. We provide comprehensive family and cosmetic dentistry designed to improve oral health, function, and overall quality of life. As a dentist in West Point, VA, we combine preventive care, restorative treatment, and cosmetic solutions to support patients at every stage. Each treatment plan is built around your needs, with a clear structure that prioritises long-term results. Whether you are maintaining your oral health or improving your smile, care is delivered in one location with consistency and attention to detail.

General Dentistry in West Point, VA

General dentistry is the foundation of our practice. We care for patients of all ages, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term maintenance.
Services include:
* Routine dental exams and cleanings
* Monitoring and treating cavities
* Managing tooth decay
* Bite and alignment assessments
Preventive care plays a key role in reducing the need for more complex procedures. During each visit, we also provide practical guidance on oral hygiene, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums between appointments. By identifying issues early, we can keep treatment straightforward and manageable over time.

Cosmetic Dentistry in West Point, VA

Cosmetic dentistry is a core part of our practice, allowing patients to improve the appearance of their smile while maintaining function and structure.
We offer:
* Professional teeth whitening to improve brightness
* Dental veneers to refine shape, spacing, and symmetry
* Invisalign clear aligners for teeth straightening
* Gummy smile treatment to balance gum levels
All cosmetic treatments are planned with precision to ensure results look natural and complement your overall appearance. We use modern techniques and technology to deliver consistent, predictable outcomes.

Restorative Dentistry in West Point, VA

Restorative dentistry is often closely linked with cosmetic treatment. When teeth are damaged or missing, restoring strength and structure is essential before improving appearance.
Our restorative services include:
* Dental crowns for protection and durability
* Dental implants for long-term tooth replacement
* Dentures for multiple missing teeth
* Full mouth rehabilitation for complex cases
* Silver fillings for cavity repair
Each treatment is designed to restore function while maintaining a natural look. Planning is based on durability, ensuring results perform reliably in everyday use.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dental Conditions

We provide structured diagnosis and treatment for a range of oral health conditions, including:
* Dental infections
* Periodontal (gum) disease
* Oral cancer
Early detection enables more effective, less invasive treatment. When ongoing management is required, we closely monitor progress to maintain stability and prevent recurrence.

Emergency Dentist in West Point, VA

Dental emergencies require immediate attention. We provide urgent care for:
* Toothaches and sudden pain
* Broken or chipped teeth
* Lost fillings or crowns
* Dental infections
As an emergency dentist in West Point, VA, the focus is on resolving discomfort quickly and stabilising the issue before moving forward with any necessary follow-up treatment.

Dental Implants in West Point, VA

Dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They restore both function and appearance while supporting overall oral health.
Implants can be used for:
* Single tooth replacement
* Multiple missing teeth
* Supporting dentures
This treatment helps maintain jawbone structure, improves chewing ability, and provides results that closely match natural teeth.

Invisalign and Teeth Straightening

Invisalign offers a clear, removable solution for improving alignment without traditional braces.
Benefits include:
* Discreet appearance
* Removable for eating and cleaning
* Gradual, controlled movement
Each treatment is digitally planned to ensure accuracy and predictable results, with progress monitored throughout.

Preventive Care and Patient Education

Preventive care is integrated into every stage of treatment. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits allow us to monitor changes, address concerns early, and maintain long-term oral health.
We focus on:
* Early detection of dental issues
* Education on oral hygiene practices
* Reducing the risk of gum disease and decay
This approach helps patients maintain consistent results and avoid unnecessary treatment.

Serving West Point and New Kent, VA

Smiles of West Point provides care for patients in West Point, VA and surrounding areas, including New Kent, VA. Many patients from New Kent visit for access to both family and cosmetic dentistry in one location. As demand continues to grow, we are expanding our reach to support those searching for a dentist in New Kent, VA, with consistent care and structured treatment planning.

A Practical Approach to Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Our approach combines preventive care with cosmetic improvement, allowing patients to manage both oral health and appearance in a single treatment plan.
This includes:
* Maintaining healthy teeth and gums
* Improving alignment, colour, and symmetry
* Planning treatment with long-term outcomes in mind
We focus on delivering care that is effective, clearly explained, and aligned with each patient’s goals.

Book Your Appointment
If you are looking for a family and cosmetic dentist in West Point, VA, or a dentist near New Kent, Smiles of West Point provides comprehensive care across general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment and take the next step in maintaining your oral health.