What an Oral Cancer Screening Is
An oral cancer screening is a routine part of your dental exam. Your dentist looks at and gently feels the soft tissues of your head, neck and mouth to check for anything unusual. Early changes in the mouth are often painless and easy to miss in a mirror at home, which is why a regular professional check is so valuable.
Who Should Be Screened
Screening is recommended for adults at every routine exam. It is especially worth taking seriously if you use tobacco, drink alcohol regularly or have a family history of oral cancer, and your dentist will talk with you about these risk factors. If you notice a sore that does not heal, a lump, a white or red patch or ongoing soreness, book an appointment rather than waiting for your next checkup.
What We Look At
- The tongue, cheeks, palate and gums.
- The floor of the mouth, lips and throat.
- The neck and jaw area, checked by touch for unusual swelling.
- Any patches, sores or changes in colour or texture.
How the Screening Works
- Review: we ask about changes you have noticed and about relevant risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol and family history.
- Visual check: the dentist examines the soft tissues of the mouth and throat.
- Touch check: the dentist gently feels the neck, jaw and tissues for unusual swelling or lumps.
- Results: we tell you what we see. If anything looks unusual, we explain the next step, which may include monitoring it or referring you for further assessment.
The screening is short and comfortable, and it is done as part of your regular exam.
Before Your Visit
- Note any sores, lumps, patches or soreness you have noticed and how long they have been there.
- Be ready to share whether you use tobacco or alcohol and any family history you know of.
- Bring your insurance information.
- Complete the new patient information form if you have not been to our clinic before.
After Your Screening
- If everything looks normal, carry on with your regular home care and book your next exam in about six months.
- If we see something that needs a closer look, we will explain the next step and help arrange it.
- Check your own mouth now and then, and call us if you notice any changes between visits.
- Call the clinic if you have a sore that is not healing, swelling, lasting pain or bleeding.
Cost, Insurance and Direct Billing
There is no extra charge for oral cancer screening when it is part of a routine exam. Our fees run 5% below the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide for treatments, and we bill your insurance directly so you pay only your portion. Financing options and payment plans are available if you need them.
Why Choose Allard Station Dental
- Screening included with every routine exam.
- Clear explanations and a calm, judgment-free approach.
- Open seven days a week, with early and late weekday hours.
- A written plan and cost estimate if any treatment is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral cancer screening really included at no extra charge?
Yes. It is included with every routine exam at Allard Station Dental at no extra charge.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. It is a visual and gentle hands-on check and is usually over in a couple of minutes.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is part of every routine exam, and most patients have an exam about every six months. Your dentist may suggest a different schedule if you have higher risk factors.
What are the possible signs of oral cancer?
Possible signs include a sore that does not heal, a lump or thickened area, white or red patches and ongoing soreness or difficulty swallowing. These can have many causes, so have anything unusual checked by your dentist.
What happens if you find something unusual?
We will explain what we saw and recommend the next step, which may include monitoring it or a referral for further assessment. Finding a change does not mean it is serious, but it should be followed up.
Are children screened too?
Screening is mainly part of adult exams. Children's exams focus on their teeth, bite and growth, and your dentist will check what is appropriate for their age.