Is oral cancer screening painful?

No. Screening is quick, painless and non-invasive. It involves a visual examination and a gentle check of your jaw and neck, and most patients barely notice it is happening.

How often should I get screened?

Most adults should be screened at least once a year, and our dentists perform a screening during every routine check-up. If you have risk factors such as tobacco use or heavy alcohol use, your dentist may recommend closer monitoring.

What are the warning signs of oral cancer?

Common warning signs include a sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks, red or white patches, lumps or thickened areas, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and numbness or pain in the mouth or face. These signs can have other causes, but if you notice any of them, book an appointment promptly.

Can a dentist detect oral cancer?

Yes. Dentists are often the first to notice early changes in the mouth because they examine these tissues regularly. A screening cannot diagnose cancer on its own, but it can find suspicious changes early so that further testing can be arranged quickly.

What happens if my dentist finds something suspicious?

We explain what we see in clear terms and recommend the next step, which may include closer monitoring, further testing or a referral to a specialist. Finding a change does not mean you have cancer, and many changes turn out to be harmless, but checking early gives you the best chance of a good outcome.

Oral Cancer Screening in Northeast Calgary

A quick, painless check of your mouth, tongue and throat that can find early warning signs when they are easiest to treat.

Oral cancer screening at Martindale Smiles in Northeast Calgary

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a quick, painless examination of your mouth and the tissues around it, looking for early signs of oral cancer and precancerous changes. At Martindale Smiles, it is a vital part of your routine dental exam, and our dentists perform a thorough screening during every check-up.

The screening involves a careful visual look and a gentle physical check. It takes only a few minutes, needs no special preparation and causes no discomfort.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important

Oral cancer affects thousands of Canadians each year. When it is detected early, treatment outcomes are significantly better, and early changes can often be treated before they progress. Early signs can be subtle and painless, so they are easy to miss without a professional exam.

Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips and HPV infection. However, oral cancer can develop in people with no known risk factors, which is why regular oral cancer screening in Calgary is recommended for everyone.

What We Look For

During your screening, our dentist examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, throat and surrounding tissues. We look for:

Sores that do not heal
Red or white patches
Lumps or thickening of the tissues
Changes in the colour or texture of the tissues
Anything else that looks out of the ordinary

If anything concerning is found, we may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist.

What to Expect During Your Screening

1Visual examination. Your dentist checks all of your oral tissues, including your lips, tongue, cheeks and palate.
2Physical check. Your dentist gently feels the jaw and neck area for lumps or swelling.
3Review of your history. We go over your medical history and any risk factors.
4Discussion. We explain any findings or concerns in clear terms.
5Referral if needed. If something needs a closer look, we arrange further testing.

Who Should Be Screened

All adults, as part of regular dental check-ups
People who use or have used tobacco
People who drink alcohol regularly
People with a history of HPV infection
Anyone with a sore or patch in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks
Anyone who wants peace of mind about their oral health

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

These signs can have other causes, but they should always be checked.

A mouth sore that does not heal within two weeks
Red or white patches inside the mouth
A lump or thickened area in the mouth, cheek or neck
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Numbness or unexplained pain in the mouth or face

Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Oral Cancer Screening

Thorough screenings during every routine visit
Experienced dental professionals
An early detection focus for better outcomes
A comfortable and non-invasive procedure
Comprehensive follow-up care
Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
Direct insurance billing available

Meet Our Team

Our experienced dental professionals are committed to providing the highest quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

The Martindale Smiles dental team at their NE Calgary clinic

Related Treatments

Dental cleaning and check-ups in Northeast Calgary: your regular exam, where screening takes place.
Night guards and sports guards in Northeast Calgary: custom guards that protect your teeth.

Cost of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is performed as part of your routine dental exam, so it does not usually require a separate appointment. Your cost depends on the type of exam you have and whether X-rays or other services are needed during the visit.

We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. New patients receive a free $50 gift card with their first comprehensive exam and cleaning. Conditions apply. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. For a personalized quote, please contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Appointment

Ready to schedule your oral cancer screening? We are accepting new patients and offer same-day emergency appointments. Contact us today to schedule your visit.