General Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Calgary NE
Catching oral cancer early makes an enormous difference in treatment outcomes, and it starts with a simple, painless check most patients barely notice. Cornerbrook Smiles Dental includes an oral cancer screening at every recall visit, with appointments available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. We serve patients across Cornerstone, Cityscape, Redstone, and Skyview Ranch in Calgary.
Part of General Dentistry
Open 7 days a week
Overview
An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive check performed as part of your routine dental visit. It takes only about two minutes but plays an important role in catching anything unusual at its earliest and most treatable stage. Because it is included in every recall exam, you do not need to schedule a separate appointment or ask for it specifically, it is simply part of the care you receive at every visit.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening
During an oral cancer screening, our team performs a visual inspection of the soft tissues in your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, and throat, along with a tactile check of the neck and lymph nodes to feel for anything unusual such as lumps or swelling. If anything unusual is spotted, it is documented for a re-check at a future visit, or you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation if something needs closer attention.
Signs and Symptoms We Look For
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within a couple of weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- A lump or thickened area anywhere in the mouth or neck
- Persistent numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
Many of these symptoms have other, more common explanations, but a professional screening helps rule out anything more serious and catches problems while they are still easy to treat.
What Is Included
- Visual inspection of soft tissues, tongue, and throat
- Tactile check of the neck and lymph nodes
- Documentation of any unusual spots for re-check
- Referral to a specialist if anything needs further work-up
Why Patients Choose Us for This
- Earliest possible detection, when treatment is most effective
- Painless and takes about two minutes
- Included in every recall exam at no extra step for you
- Open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm
- Direct billing to most major insurance providers
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1
We listen first.Tell us about any changes you have noticed in your mouth, throat, or jaw, along with your general health history.
- 2
We explain your options.If anything unusual is found, you will get an honest assessment and a clear explanation of next steps, whether that is monitoring, a re-check, or a referral.
- 3
We treat you with care.The screening itself is quick and comfortable, performed as a natural part of your routine exam rather than a separate, stressful appointment.
Who Should Get Screened
Everyone benefits from having an oral cancer screening included in their regular dental visits, regardless of age. Certain factors can increase risk, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure on the lips, so patients with these risk factors are especially encouraged to keep up with regular checkups. That said, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why screening is built into every recall exam at our practice rather than reserved for higher risk patients only.
Cost of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is included as part of your regular recall exam at no additional charge. If a concern is identified and further evaluation or treatment is needed, our team will walk you through the next steps and any associated cost before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick visual and tactile check of your mouth, throat, and neck, performed to catch any early signs of oral cancer while it is most treatable. It takes about two minutes and is included in every recall exam.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is entirely painless, involving a visual check and a gentle tactile exam of the neck and lymph nodes. Most patients barely notice it happening during their regular checkup.
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
Since screening is included in every recall exam, most patients are screened roughly every six months as part of their regular dental visits, which is a good general guideline for most people.
What happens if something unusual is found?
If we notice anything unusual, such as a sore that has not healed or an unusual patch or lump, we document it for a re-check at a future visit or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, depending on what is found.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure on the lips are known risk factors, though oral cancer can affect anyone. This is why we include screening in every recall exam rather than only for higher risk patients.
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening
Your next recall exam already includes an oral cancer screening. Book your appointment with Cornerbrook Smiles Dental today.
Have a question first? Contact us and we will get back to you.