Screening for Oral Cancer at Riverside Dental Clinic Saves Lives

When you think about a dental appointment, you always think about gum disease and cavities. While these are dentistry’s mainstay, we screen your oral structures for oral cancer. In fact, a dentist is more likely to spot signs of mouth cancer than any other medical practitioner.

We offer comprehensive dental exams at Riverside Dental Clinic, including mouth cancer screening. Our dental screenings are designed to catch oral cancer at its earliest stage to give you the best chance for survival.

Signs of Mouth Cancer

Unfortunately, most early symptoms of oral cancer can easily be dismissed as a mere nuisance. That said, it is always important to inform your dentist about subtle signs for further scrutiny. The common symptoms of mouth cancer include:

• Mouth sores
• Painful teeth and jaws
• Lump in the neck
• Chronic bad breath
• Lumps in your cheeks
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Red or white patches on your tongue and lining of your cheeks

About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and sadly, about 10,000 people die of the disease every year. Luckily, early detection of oral cancer may increase the survival rate because, at this stage, it’s easy to treat before it spreads to other body parts. So, if it’s been years since you had a dental exam, consider one today—it could be a lifesaver!

What to Expect During Oral Cancer Screening

Thought a mouth cancer screening takes eternity? It only takes about 5 minutes! Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff visually inspects your mouth to look for abnormal lesions, lumps, and sores. He also uses his thumb to feel lumps in your gums and cheeks likely to be missed during a visual inspection. For abnormalities not visible to the naked eye, we have special lights and oral rinses to catch oral cancer at its early stages.

Should your dentist notice any unusual symptom, it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. We recommend further tests, including a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today!

When was the last time you had oral cancer screening? We usually recommend annual screening for mouth cancer. However, it’s never too late to put your dental health back on track. If you are in Drumheller, Alberta, please dial (833) 575-1855 to schedule your dental exam at Riverside Dental Clinic.

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