True Story: “My Dentist Helped Save My Life”

“I would have never imagined that a routine visit to the dentist would lead to a life-saving cancer surgery.” ~ Steve, a 61-year-old AZ Blue Commercial Member, September 2024.

In for his regular six-month appointment at the dentist's office, this member had no questions, concerns, or pain—nothing.

But, after taking one look at a swollen tonsil, the dentist said ‘What’s going on with your tonsil? Isn’t that uncomfortable?’ The member later recalled, “It looked like half the sphere of a ping pong ball, but I had no pain and didn’t even notice it when I was eating or swallowing.”

The dentist encouraged him to get it checked out – and he did. After visits to his primary care doc, an appointment with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist, a biopsy, bloodwork, and scans, he was diagnosed with stage 1 HPV carcinoma, a type of cancer that often appears in the tonsils. In fact, HPV-related throat cancer is the most common head and neck cancer in the U.S.

The member researched and located an in-network surgeon, and within a month, had the procedure and was on the road to recovery. Later, his surgeon noted that many times, throat or tonsil cancer is not even noticed until after it advances to the lymph nodes, which is more difficult to treat. Fortunately, due to the member’s oral hygiene routine, a well-trained and conscientious dentist, and a talented surgeon, this member returned to life with a grateful heart, and a renewed commitment to going to the dentist.

Schedule your dental checkups – it could save your life!

“It’s maybe an hour twice a year, and without that appointment, who knows what could have happened,” the member said. “The cancer might have spread, which could mean months of painful and disruptive radiation or chemotherapy. Instead, I spent an hour in the dentist’s chair and then got an early diagnosis. My dentist helped save my life.”

Your oral health’s connection to overall health

Did you know? Your dentist can often see signs of potential heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues just by checking your teeth, gums, and tongue. Research also shows that many medical conditions may affect oral health and vice versa.

Going to the dentist isn’t only for a clean, shiny smile (though that’s definitely a plus) – it’s an important part of taking care of your whole health.

For AZ Blue Members

If you have dental benefits with AZ Blue, your plan includes two no-cost teeth cleaning and oral health screening visits per calendar year. Schedule your appointments today and get the most from your benefits. Visit azblue.com and click the Find Care option to search for an in-network dentist near you.

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