Riverside Dental Clinic offer Oral cancer screening during your routine exam
Regular dental visits are crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, but they also allow your dentist to provide oral cancer screening. Early diagnosis of cancer is critical to getting the best prognosis. Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff and his experienced team at Riverside Dental Clinic can check for abnormal tissues as part of your regular exam.
Oral cancer symptoms and risk factors
Oral cancer is a life-threatening condition, but treatment is effective for most individuals if it’s caught early. Historically, oral cancer complications were because of late diagnosis, after cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Many oral cancer symptoms are hard to see on your own, but a dentist can get a much closer look during your exam. Signs of oral cancer include sores that don’t heal, white or red tissues, difficulty swallowing, or pain in your ear or jaw.
Heavy tobacco use is the number one risk factor in oral cancers in patients over 50, but oral cancer can develop in patients of all ages, whether or not they ever smoke. Other risk factors include the use of alcohol, sun exposure, or certain strains of the HPV virus. Genetics and diet also play a vital role in the development of cancers in your mouth and throat.
What to expect during a screening
We recommend getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year as part of your routine hygiene visit. Your dentist will examine your cheeks, gums, lips, tongues, and throat for abnormal tissues or lumps during your screening. They will also feel your jaw and throat for signs of growth and look for abnormalities on your dental x-rays. If your dentist does find something unusual, it’s not always a sign of cancer. They may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor for changes, or in some cases, suggest a biopsy to look for cancer cells.
Treatment for oral cancer depends greatly on what stage it is in. In some cases, a simple surgery can remove oral cancer. In contrast, in other cases, you may need radiation or chemotherapy, as well as different treatment strategies to slow the spread. Contact Dr. Poznikoff and his team at Riverside Dental Clinic in Drumheller, AB, today at (833) 575-1855 to schedule your appointment for an oral screening for mouth cancer.

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.