Oral Cancer Screening Edmonton and Dental X-Rays

Every new patient assessment at Yours Dental Hygiene includes a head, neck and mouth screening, and digital X-rays when needed. Five minutes that can catch problems years early.

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Why Oral Cancer Screening Edmonton Supports Early Detection

Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early and difficult when found late. The problem is that early changes are painless and easy to miss. Your hygienist looks at the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate and throat at every assessment, and feels the neck and jaw for lumps, so anything unusual is noticed while it is still small.

Oral cancer screening Edmonton at our clinic takes only a few minutes and is included in your assessment at no extra charge.

What We Check

A Systematic Look at Soft Tissue

Oral Cancer Screening Edmonton involves both visual and tactile examination. Your hygienist checks for white or red patches, ulcers that have not healed within two weeks, lumps, thickened areas, unexplained bleeding, and changes in how tissues feel. Anything unusual may be documented and monitored so changes can be compared at a future visit, with referral to a dentist or physician for further assessment or biopsy when a lesion requires a closer look.

A screening cannot diagnose cancer. Its job is to catch what needs a closer look.

Who Should Be Screened More Often

Tobacco in any form, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips and a previous oral cancer raise risk. Oral cancer is rising in younger, non-smoking adults because of HPV, so everyone benefits from screening, not just smokers.

Patients with higher risk are screened at every visit; everyone else at least once a year.

X-rays show what a visual exam cannot: decay between teeth, bone levels around the roots, tartar below the gumline and infections at the root tip. We take digital X-rays only when they are needed, and they use:

X-rays can be shared with your dentist so they do not need to be repeated.

How Often X-Rays Are Needed

We follow Canadian guidelines rather than a fixed schedule. Frequency depends on:

Your history of cavities

Gum disease and bone loss

When your last X-rays were taken

New symptoms or findings

Age and stage of tooth development in children

Low-risk adults typically need bitewing X-rays every two to three years; higher-risk patients yearly.

See Us Soon If You Notice

Book a screening if you have:

A sore or ulcer that has not healed in two weeks
A white or red patch anywhere in the mouth
A lump in the mouth, lip or neck
Numbness or a change in sensation
Difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat
Loose teeth without gum disease

Most findings turn out to be harmless. Checking is quick, and the peace of mind is worth it.

Is oral cancer screening painful?

No. It is a visual check and gentle palpation of the neck and mouth, and takes about five minutes.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Digital X-rays deliver very low doses, and we use a lead apron and thyroid collar. We take only the images that are needed.

Can a hygienist take X-rays?

Yes. Registered dental hygienists in Alberta are licensed to prescribe, take and interpret dental X-rays for hygiene care.

A Complete Check-Up With Oral Cancer Screening Edmonton

Oral cancer screening Edmonton and digital X-rays are part of a thorough hygiene assessment at Yours Dental Hygiene in southeast Edmonton, available evenings and weekends with direct billing.

Due for an assessment?

Book online or call (825) 402-6111.

Reviews

"My wife and I recently visited Yours Dental Hygiene and had a great experience! A special thank you to Eimee—she was exceptionally thorough, gentle, and professional throughout our appointments. The clinic itself is spotless, welcoming, and very well-run. Eimee took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure we were completely comfortable. Highly recommend this clinic."

"I visited this clinic based on a recommendation from a family friend. Booking an appointment was very easy, and I was able to find a time that fit perfectly with my work schedule. I initially went in for a basic dental cleaning and ended up getting a few sealants done as well. The results were a huge improvement, and I was far more satisfied than I had expected. The staff were friendly and highly professional, making the whole experience even better. I would confidently recommend this clinic to anyone."

"Clinic was great and staff was very kind and accomodating. Eimee,cleans very deely and it was amazing.She did a very good job same thing with the Dr. I love it! Me and my husband had a very wonderful experience with this clinic. We will truly bring our kids here soon.Best recomended dental clinic. "

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance?

Screening is part of your assessment, which most plans and the CDCP cover as an exam. There is no separate charge.

How often should I be screened?

At least once a year for everyone, and at every visit if you smoke, drink heavily, have had HPV or have had oral cancer before.

What does early oral cancer look like?

Often a small white or red patch, a painless ulcer, or a slightly thickened area on the tongue, floor of the mouth or lip. Anything that persists beyond two weeks should be checked.

Do X-rays cost extra?

X-rays are billed as separate codes that most plans cover on the recommended schedule. We tell you before taking them.

Does the CDCP cover X-rays?

Yes, the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers diagnostic X-rays for eligible members at the plan’s frequency limits.

Can I have X-rays if I am pregnant?

We avoid routine X-rays during pregnancy unless there is a specific need, and with shielding they are considered safe when necessary.

Do you share X-rays with my dentist?

Yes. With your permission we send digital copies to your dentist or any specialist we refer you to.

I have not had X-rays in years. Is that a problem?

It is common. Your hygienist will recommend a baseline set so we can see between the teeth and check bone levels, then set a schedule from there.

Can HPV cause oral cancer?

Yes. HPV is now a leading cause of cancers at the back of the mouth and throat, including in people who have never smoked. Screening looks at these areas.

What happens if you find something?

We document it, explain what we see, and either recheck in two weeks or refer you to a dentist or oral specialist for a biopsy. We follow up to make sure you were seen.