Dentist performing an oral cancer screening at Calgary South Dental

Oral Cancer Screening in SE Calgary

Early detection makes a real difference with oral cancer. At Calgary South Dental, our oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless part of keeping your whole mouth healthy, not just your teeth.

Dentist examining a patient's mouth and throat during a screening

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is a simple visual and physical check of your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues, looking for anything unusual that could signal early stage oral cancer. It takes just a few minutes and is typically included as part of your regular dental checkup at our SE Calgary clinic.

Who Should Get Screened

  • Anyone due for a routine dental checkup
  • Patients who use tobacco or alcohol regularly, which increases risk
  • Patients with a family history of oral cancer
  • Anyone noticing unusual sores, lumps, or patches in their mouth that have not healed
  • Patients who have not had a screening in the past year

What Is Included

  • A visual check of your lips, cheeks, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth
  • A physical check of the throat and neck for unusual lumps
  • A conversation about any risk factors that may apply to you
  • Immediate feedback if anything unusual is found
  • A recommendation for further evaluation if needed

Why Choose Calgary South Dental for This

We build oral cancer screening into your regular checkup, so early detection becomes part of your routine rather than something you have to remember to ask for separately. Our team takes any findings seriously and will walk you through next steps clearly and calmly if something needs a closer look. With direct billing accepted for most major insurance providers, adding this screening to your visit is straightforward.

What to Expect at Your Visit

The screening itself is quick, painless, and non invasive. Your dentist will visually and physically check the soft tissues of your mouth and throat during your regular exam or cleaning appointment. Most patients do not need any additional time set aside, as the screening is built into your existing checkup.

Related Treatments

Oral cancer screenings are often completed alongside a routine oral exam or dental cleaning, making it easy to stay on top of your overall oral health in a single visit.

Cost of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is typically included as part of your regular checkup at no additional cost beyond your exam or cleaning. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an oral cancer screening?
Your dentist visually and physically checks your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck for anything unusual, such as sores, lumps, or discoloured patches.
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No, the screening is quick and painless, involving only a visual and gentle physical check of the soft tissues in your mouth.
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
Most patients are screened once a year as part of their routine dental checkup, though your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings based on your risk factors.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Tobacco and alcohol use, a family history of oral cancer, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips are all factors that can increase risk.
What happens if something unusual is found during my screening?
Your dentist will discuss what was found and may recommend further evaluation or a referral for additional testing, depending on the situation.

Book Your Appointment

Make oral cancer screening part of your regular checkup. Book your appointment at Calgary South Dental today, or call us at 403-984-1616.