About Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every comprehensive exam at East River Dental. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, and it only takes minutes.
At East River Dental Care in Newmarket, we check the soft tissues in and around your mouth at your exam, so any changes can be noticed early and followed up on promptly. It is one more way we look after your overall health, not just your teeth.
Key Benefits
- Painless and non-invasive
- Completed during your regular exam
- Early detection improves survival rates significantly
- Covers lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and gums
- Peace of mind at every visit
Ready to learn if oral cancer screening is right for you?
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a careful check of your mouth and the surrounding areas for early signs of change, such as sores, patches or lumps that may need attention. It is not a diagnosis. If anything looks unusual, your dentist will explain what was found and what the next steps are.
Screening is part of every comprehensive exam, including your first New Patient Exam, so most patients are screened at every routine visit without needing a separate appointment.
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer can develop without obvious pain in its early stages, so changes are often hard to notice on your own. A screening gives a trained eye the chance to spot them early, when treatment tends to be more effective.
That is why we include screening in every comprehensive exam. It takes only a few minutes and can make a real difference.
Who Is at Higher Risk
Tobacco users, heavy alcohol drinkers, and those with an HPV history face higher risk, but oral cancer can affect anyone. Because risk is not limited to those groups, regular screening is recommended for all adult patients as part of routine care.
If you have concerns about your own risk, tell your dentist at your visit and they will talk it through with you.
What Is Included in Your Screening
- A visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat and gums
- A gentle physical check of your jaw, neck and lymph nodes for unusual lumps or tenderness
- Enhanced screening with specialized lighting or dye where needed
- A discussion of your results before you leave
- Any follow-up needed, including monitoring or referral for biopsy
Screening is completed as part of your regular Oral Exams & Cleanings.
Why Choose East River Dental Care for Oral Cancer Screening
- Serving Newmarket families for over 40 years
- Screening included in every comprehensive exam
- A gentle, painless and non-invasive approach
- Results discussed with you immediately
- Free consultations and second opinions, with no pressure and no obligation
- Direct insurance billing
- Evening and Saturday appointments
- A gentle approach for patients with dental anxiety
What to Expect
Visual Inspection
Our dentist visually examines all oral tissues including the lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat.
Physical Palpation
The jaw, neck, and lymph nodes are gently felt for unusual lumps or tenderness.
Enhanced Screening
Where needed, specialized lighting or dye helps identify abnormal tissue not visible to the naked eye.
Results & Next Steps
We discuss findings immediately. Any suspicious areas are monitored or referred for biopsy.
Signs to Watch for Between Visits
You know your mouth best. Book an appointment rather than waiting for your next checkup if you notice:
- A sore in your mouth that does not heal
- A lump or thickened area in your mouth, cheek or neck
- A white or red patch that does not go away
- Ongoing pain, numbness or soreness in your mouth or throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
Bleeding or swollen gums are a different concern and are usually related to gum health, which our Periodontal Care can help with.
Cost of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is included in every comprehensive exam. The cost of your visit depends on the care you need, and every patient's situation is different. We offer free consultations and second opinions, so you can ask questions before you commit to anything.
We bill your insurance directly, and our 0% interest payment plans help spread larger costs over time. Contact our office for a personalized quote, or read our insurance and financing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I be screened?
Oral cancer screening is included in every comprehensive exam, typically once or twice a year.
Who is at higher risk?
Tobacco users, heavy alcohol drinkers, and those with HPV history face higher risk, but oral cancer can affect anyone.
Is the screening painful?
Not at all. The exam is gentle and takes only a few minutes.
What happens if something looks unusual?
We discuss findings immediately. Any suspicious areas are monitored or referred for biopsy.
Do I need a separate appointment for the screening?
No. Oral cancer screening is completed during your regular comprehensive exam.
Ready to Book Your Oral Cancer Screening?
Call us to book your appointment. Same-day availability for urgent concerns.
East River Dental Care, 130 Davis Dr #35, Newmarket, ON L3Y 2N1, (905) 895-8031