Most people think of dental checkups as a way to keep cavities away. But did you know that regular visits can also help with early detection of oral cancer? At Sierra Dental, our team believes prevention goes beyond cleanings and fillings. That is why we include oral cancer screening as part of our commitment to your health.
Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, or throat, often without obvious symptoms. With trained eyes, years of experience, and advanced technology, our dental team can help spot changes to your oral health before they become serious concerns.
Here’s what you should know about oral cancer screening in Calgary, why it matters, and what to expect when you visit our clinic for your consultation.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Think of oral cancer screening as your smile’s early warning system and our team’s way of keeping dental problems at bay. At Sierra Dental, this procedure is typically performed during your routine checkup. We assess your tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and throat for signs of abnormal changes that could indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
Usually, early signs of oral cancers can go unnoticed. Our team are training to detect and diagnose oral pathological lesions, including cancers. We ensure that suspicious findings are evaluated with precision and care so you can understand more about your oral health.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Most patients don’t think about oral cancer until they hear it from their dentist or until it is too late. But screening early is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself! Here’s why it matters:
Early Detection Leads to Better Outcomes
Oral cancer is much easier to treat when caught early. An oral cancer checkup allows our dentist to spot subtle changes in your oral health that you may not notice at home. And as soon as we can diagnose and treat the problem, the better and more predictable the results are. A few minutes of screening can mean years of peace of mind!
Prevention Saves You From Complex Treatment
When oral cancer is discovered at a later stage, treatment can be more complicated, invasive, and costly. Regular oral cancer exams help prevent that by catching early warning signs and treating the problem before they progress. This proactive, preventive approach not only protects your health, but also helps you avoid the physical, emotional, and financial toll that may come with advanced cancer treatment.
Simple, Comfortable Steps with Big Rewards
Many patients are surprised to learn that oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and is actually part of their routine dental checkup. It only takes a few minutes, no needles required so no discomfort at all. It is one of the easiest, most important things you can do for your long-term health. The results are almost real time and if further tests are required, our team will let you know and guide you through the next steps for assessment.
How is Oral Cancer Screening Done?
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening before, you might be surprised how simple and comfortable the process is. Here’s what you can expect:
- Careful visual examination – We start by taking a close look at your mouth, lips, tongue, gums, inside of your cheek, and throat to check for any unusual spots, sores, or discolourations as these may indicate oral cancers.
- Gentle physical check – Your dentist or dental hygienist will also feel the soft tissues to check for lumps, thickened areas, or irregular textures that are usually not visible during a visual exam.
- Advanced screening technology – If necessary, we use modern tools to enhance the accuracy of our diagnosis. Some oral cancer detection methods we use include dyes and using a scope that highlights abnormal tissue so we can assess your oral health precision.
With these processes, we can evaluate the presence of oral cancers and determine the next steps of care moving forward. Whether it is regular monitoring or early treatment, our team is dedicated to put you on the right track from disease diagnosis to management.
What to Expect After an Oral Cancer Screening
Depending on the initial results of your oral cancer exam, the next steps may be:
Follow-up appointments for monitoring
Some abnormal findings can be harmless or temporary, especially if there is just irritation or inflammation. Just to be sure, we may recommend a follow-up visit to keep an eye on a particular area. It is important that you attend the scheduled appointments so we can catch any developments early and assess if they heal, change, or persist.
Additional tests for further laboratory analysis
If something is suspicious or does not improve, further evaluation is required. This may involve advanced oral cancer detection methods, such as light-based exams or obtaining a small tissue sample (biopsy) for laboratory analysis. These are done so we can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Consultation with a specialist
If the test results show signs of concern, we will connect you with the right specialist for detailed guidance and the next steps to solve the problem and restore your oral health. You will have access to trusted professionals that will ensure you are informed and supported throughout the entire process. We will explain your diagnosis, discuss a treatment plan, and work with you through recovery and long-term care.
When to schedule your next oral cancer screening
Most adults should have an oral cancer screening as part of their annual dental exam, especially once they reach the age of 40. According to the general oral cancer screening guidelines in Canada, yearly screenings are recommended so your dentist can have the best chance to identify changes before they progress.
However, if you have higher oral cancer risk factors, such as regular tobacco or alcohol use, or a history of oral cancers, Sierra Dental recommends bi-annual screenings. Frequent visits can help our team monitor your oral health closely and take immediate action as soon as anything unusual appears.
Conclusion
A few minutes in the dental chair for an oral cancer screening can do more than just protect your teeth, it can also give you a better quality of life and good health in the long-term. With every checkup, our team at Sierra Dental can help you keep an eye on your oral health, ensuring no small detail goes unnoticed.
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or it’s been a while since your last one, consider this a reminder! Book a visit with Sierra Dental today, where a competent team and in-house specialist can provide the care you need to keep your smile and oral health at its best.