When do I need an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer, sometimes called mouth cancer, can develop anywhere inside or around the mouth, including the cheeks and lips. Early detection is critical to ensure the least possible repercussions. At Riverside Dental Clinic of Drumheller, Alberta, our team encourages patients to have an oral cancer screening performed at each dental appointment.

What is an oral cancer screening?

Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff describes oral cancer screenings as a way of monitoring the mouth’s health and looking for possible indications of cancer. This evaluation is done during routine dental examinations. He will look for symptoms and signs of oral cancer during your visit.

He will:

• Check for any unusual lesions or sores in the mouth
• Examine your lips, neck, and head for signs of cancer
• Feel inside your mouth and check the soft tissues for lumps or other abnormalities
• Ask you questions about lifestyle habits that can increase your risk of oral cancer, like smoking and alcohol consumption

During your examination, Dr. Poznikoff may suggest further tests to diagnose and treat any issues that may be found. It is important to note that even if you do not exhibit any visible signs of oral cancer, Dr. Poznikoff may still be able to detect it during a screening. Therefore, it is crucial that you understand the significance of undergoing regular screenings to maintain good oral health.

Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of your routine dental exam, so if you have not had one in a while, we encourage you to reach out to Riverside Dental Clinic to have one scheduled, even if it is not time for your regularly scheduled dental checkup.

Schedule an oral cancer screening today!

Proactively caring for your smile is essential when achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness. If you are overdue for your oral cancer screening or have a concern that needs to be evaluated, do not hesitate to contact Riverside Dental Clinic of Drumheller, Alberta, to schedule a visit with Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff.

Call (833) 575-1855 to request a visit at our facility, located at 180 Riverside Drive East, open to new patients and families.

Dr. Ken Poznikoff, General Dentist

With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Ken Poznikoff is a highly skilled General Dentist and the owner of Riverside Dental Clinic. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree as well as degrees in Science and Pharmacy. Dr. Poznikoff is committed to advanced dental education and has completed extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep disordered breathing, sedation dentistry, dentures and restorative dentistry. He holds hospital privileges at the Drumheller Regional Health Complex, providing surgical care under general anesthesia. Dedicated to long-term patient relationships, Dr. Poznikoff’s expertise and compassionate care makes him a trusted dental professional in the Drumheller community.

Dr. Claude Boutin, Orthodontist

Dr. Claude Boutin is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with over 35 years of specialized orthodontic care in Calgary and at Riverside Dental Clinic. A University of Alberta graduate, he pursued advanced orthodontic training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boutin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and an active member of multiple orthodontic associations. Known for staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, Dr. Boutin frequently attends national conferences and lectures at prestigious meetings. His dedication to excellence and his involvement in the community solidifies his reputation as a leading orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Ben Thomas, Periodontist

Dr. Ben Thomas is a distinguished Periodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Public Health, and a Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of North Carolina. With IV Sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive periodontal care, including implant placement, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration. A fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of several prestigious periodontal organizations, Dr. Thomas stays at the forefront of periodontal advancements. His dedication to patient care and extensive expertise makes him a trusted professional at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Dr. Scott Townsend, General Dentist

Dr. Scott Townsend is a General Dentist with 19 years of experience. A former hockey player in the Western Hockey League, Dr. Townsend brings the same dedication and teamwork to his dental practice. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Alberta and is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, The Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Townsend specializes in oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and periodontal treatments. His compassionate approach and commitment to ongoing education ensure that patients receive personalized surgical care at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Share this Article