General Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

Oral Cancer Screening in Thunder Bay, ON

A quick check of your mouth, tongue, and throat is part of every routine exam at Redwood Dental Centre. Dr. Ameen looks for anything unusual so it can be looked into early.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical check of your mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. Dr. Ameen looks and feels for any spots, lumps, or changes in tissue texture that look out of the ordinary. This screening is built into your regular dental checkup. It only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require any special preparation on your part.

Why It's Part of Your Checkup

Here’s what Dr. Ameen focuses on during the screening.

Soft Tissue Check

He looks at your tongue, the floor of your mouth, your cheeks, and your gums for anything that looks different from your last visit.

Lips and Throat

He also checks your lips and the back of your throat as part of the same visual exam.

Neck and Lymph Nodes

A quick feel of the lymph nodes in your neck rounds out the screening.

What Happens During the Screening

Here’s how the screening fits into your regular visit.

Visual Exam

Dr. Ameen looks at the soft tissues in your mouth, lips, and throat during your regular checkup.

Physical Check

He gently feels the tissues in your mouth and the lymph nodes in your neck for anything unusual.

Discussing Findings

If anything stands out, Dr. Ameen talks with you about what he sees and what the next step looks like.

Referral, If Needed

If further evaluation makes sense, he’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Between Visits

Take a look at your mouth, tongue, and lips occasionally in a mirror
Keep up with your regular checkup schedule so screenings stay consistent
Let Dr. Ameen know about any sores or changes that don't go away
Mention any tobacco or alcohol use during your visit, since Dr. Ameen factors this into his exam

Is This Right for You?

An oral cancer screening is included for every patient having a routine exam.

Part of Every Checkup

If you’re due for a regular dental exam, the screening happens automatically as part of that visit.

Noticed a Change?

If you’ve noticed a sore, lump, or patch that hasn’t gone away, mention it when you book so Dr. Ameen can take a closer look.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

An oral cancer screening is typically included as part of your regular dental exam fee, so it doesn’t usually come with a separate charge. If a follow-up procedure is ever recommended, Dr. Ameen will give you an exact quote before any work begins. That quote applies the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before treatment starts so you know what to expect.

Included With Your Exam

The screening is part of your regular checkup fee, not billed as an extra line item.

Insurance Coordination

We check your specific benefits ahead of time so you know what your plan covers.

Referral Costs, If Needed

If you’re referred for further evaluation, that office will give you its own separate quote.

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

A visual and physical check of your mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and neck. Dr. Ameen looks at and feels these tissues for anything unusual as part of your regular exam.

What does an oral cancer screening involve?

A visual and physical check of your mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and neck. Dr. Ameen looks at and feels these tissues for anything unusual as part of your regular exam.

Does it hurt?

No. It’s a quick visual and physical check. The screening takes just a few minutes as part of your regular exam.

How often should I get screened?

It’s built into your regular checkup schedule. Dr. Ameen includes an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental checkup, so most patients are screened at their routine visits.

What happens if something unusual is found?

Dr. Ameen will talk with you about it and refer you if needed. He’ll explain what he sees and, if appropriate, refer you to the right specialist for further evaluation.

Does insurance cover oral cancer screening?

It’s typically included as part of your regular dental exam. Our front desk checks your specific coverage before treatment starts so you know what to expect.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.