Oral Cancer Screening Maple Ridge

Why Choose Our Oral Cancer Screening Clinic in Maple Ridge

Thorough Visual & Physical Examination

Thorough Visual & Physical Examination

Our oral cancer screening services include a careful examination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, throat, and surrounding tissues. We look for unusual changes that may warrant further evaluation, helping support early detection and greater peace of mind.

Convenient Screening During Dental Visits

Convenient Screening During Dental Visits

At Westgate Dental & Implant Centre, many patients choose to combine a checkup & oral cancer screening during their routine dental appointments. Combining preventive care into a single visit makes it easier to stay proactive about your oral health without adding extra appointments to your schedule.

Patient-Focused Preventive Care

Patient-Focused Preventive Care

At our oral cancer screening clinic, we take a supportive and educational approach. Whether you have specific concerns or simply want a preventive assessment, our team explains findings clearly and discusses any recommended next steps in a comfortable, confidential environment.

Genuine Patient Reviews

Explore what our patients are saying about their experience with our team and commitment to preventive dental care.

  • Hygienist was so good with our little one. Let him explore the tools. Didn’t force anything that he didn’t want to do. Was able to polish and floss his teeth. Dentist was good about talking about his teeth and painting on the fluoride

    Heather Holland Avatar Heather Holland
    March 5, 2026

    Amazing consent and communication from everyone working on me. Any new tool or technique was discussed before they did it to ensure my comfort. Super fast, super kind, definitely recommend.

    Hannah Van Severen Avatar Hannah Van Severen
    March 4, 2026

    I'm very happy with my recent visits to Westgate Dental. The staff are courteous and professional. I would certainly recommend them to others for their dental needs.

    Denis Avatar Denis
    March 3, 2026
  • I just had a cleaning and checkup yesterday and it went very well . The staff make me always feel welcome and they are very attentive to the clients. Always a great experience at westgate dental

    Keith Hall Avatar Keith Hall
    March 3, 2026

    I had a wonderful experience at Westgate Dental Centre. From the moment I walked in, all the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. My hygienist, Joann, was so sweet and knowledgeable. She took great care of me during my cleaning and made me feel completely at ease throughout the appointment. I also want to thank Dr. Sidhu and Willow for making my gum graft surgery such a smooth and reassuring experience. They were thorough and professional, took their time to answer all of my questions, and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. I truly appreciate the exceptional care I received and would highly recommend Westgate Dental Centre to everyone!

    Anna Zheng Avatar Anna Zheng
    March 1, 2026

    Brittney is so professional courteous and kind. She.made me feel very comfortable during my cleaning appointment and ensured I was happy with my new night guard by inviting another team member into the room to help adjust the bite. I have also dealt with the other gal and she was also great! Highly recommended

    lisa westgard Avatar lisa westgard
    February 28, 2026
  • Most people are not fans of dental visits. That was me! But I actually look forward to the smiling, friendly staff at Westgate Dental! My hygienist is efficient and does a great job. My teeth feel great after my appt. Front staff are professional and process your insurance etc right away. And they explain my carrier's coverage w/ patience and a smile!

    Allison Welters Avatar Allison Welters
    February 25, 2026

    Emma is an amazing hygienist. Also Dr Dilion is an amazing and skilled doctor. Super friendly and out going. Have been coming here since I was a kid. They have always taken care of my dental needs.

    Cole Schmid Avatar Cole Schmid
    February 24, 2026

    Great experience. Booking appointments has always been easy. They send appointment reminders which is helpful. The dentist and hygienists are friendly and skilled. Reception is always super friendly and welcoming. They are also great with kids.

    Meagan Taylor Avatar Meagan Taylor
    February 22, 2026
  • The front desk ladies are so super nice and friendly, always greeting patients and making them feel welcome. Dentist hygienists are very helpful , caring and work very professional and are well trained . I really feel I’m in good hands

    Sitara Avatar Sitara
    February 21, 2026

    Dr. Lavia does very good work and I would recommend him to anyone who feels like their dentist is not being genuine. This man made the experience quite comfortable and was very informative when giving me my treatment options. The hygienists have all been very professional and accommodating. The same gotta for the ladies at the front desk. Thank you to the whole team. You guys are amazing!

    dane leclerc Avatar dane leclerc
    February 21, 2026

    Dr Sidhu and his assistant, Erin, took great care of me at my dental appointment.

    Nathalie Haynes Avatar Nathalie Haynes
    February 20, 2026
  • I had a cavity filled and it was very quick and painless.

    mark Casidy Avatar mark Casidy
    February 20, 2026

    I was referred to the dental clinic by a great friend, I was and am one that is petrified of the dentist, I take prescription medication to see them, however I still had too, dr Dhillon was AMAZING his assistant was AMAZING as well, I left with a second appointment booked so that says a lot lol HIGHLY RECOMMEND ☺️

    Tammy Jansen Avatar Tammy Jansen
    February 19, 2026

    Very good

    Shelley Gaston Avatar Shelley Gaston
    February 19, 2026
oral cancer screening Maple Ridge

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a preventive examination that involves checking the mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, palate, and throat for signs of abnormal tissue changes. The goal is to identify areas that may require further assessment by a healthcare professional.

A dentist oral cancer screening is typically quick, non-invasive, and can often be performed during a routine dental visit. Regular screenings are an important part of preventive oral healthcare, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, or a family history of cancer.

Is Oral Cancer Screening Part of a Regular Dental Checkup?

Yes, many dental clinics include oral cancer screening as part of a routine examination. During your checkup, the dentist may assess the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat for unusual changes, helping support preventive care and early detection of potential concerns.

The Importance of Early
Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can develop with few or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many patients choose oral cancer screening services because they want a proactive way to monitor their oral health, especially if they have risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, or a family history of cancer.

Regular oral screening for mouth cancer allows dental professionals to check for unusual changes in the tissues of the mouth and throat that may warrant further evaluation. When incorporated into routine dental visits, screenings can support early awareness and help patients make informed decisions about their oral health.

oral cancer screening clinic Maple Ridge
oral screening for mouth cancer

Some Oral Health Changes
May Not Be Easy To Notice

Not all potentially concerning changes inside the mouth cause pain or obvious symptoms. In some cases, unusual tissue changes can develop gradually and go unnoticed without a professional examination. This is one reason many patients choose to include checkup & oral cancer screening appointments as part of their preventive dental care routine.

Regular oral cancer screening appointments may help identify abnormalities that warrant closer monitoring or further evaluation.

Who Should Consider
Oral Cancer Screening?

Many adults can benefit from routine oral cancer screening, particularly those who want to take a proactive approach to their oral health. Screening may be especially important for individuals who use tobacco products, vape, consume alcohol regularly, have HPV-related risk factors, or have a family history of cancer.

Patients experiencing persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, chronic throat discomfort, hoarseness, or other unusual oral changes may also schedule a dental oral cancer screening consultation with a qualified professional.

During your appointment, we review your oral health history, discuss any concerns, and perform a thorough visual and physical examination of the mouth and surrounding tissues. Based on the findings, we can recommend appropriate next steps or referral pathways when necessary.

dentist oral cancer screening
orthodontic oral cancer screening services Maple Ridge

Oral Cancer Risk Factors &
Common Warning Signs

As part of our oral cancer screening services, we review your oral health history, discuss potential risk factors, and examine the mouth and surrounding tissues for unusual changes. This helps us better understand your concerns and determine whether any areas require further evaluation.

Common risk factors may include:

  • Tobacco use, including smoking and vaping
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • HPV-related risk factors
  • Family history of cancer
  • Previous oral health concerns

Common warning signs may include:

  • Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
  • Red or white patches inside the mouth
  • Lumps, thickened areas, or swelling
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Unexplained oral discomfort or numbness

While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, a professional oral cancer screening can help assess whether further investigation may be appropriate.

Oral Cancer Screening Process

Most oral cancer screening appointments can be completed in approximately 5 to 10 minutes and are often performed during a routine dental visit. The process is quick, non-invasive, and focused on identifying any unusual changes within the mouth and surrounding tissues.

Step 1: Health & Risk Factor Review

We begin by discussing your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any concerns you may have. This may include reviewing tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV-related risk factors, family history, or previous oral health issues.

Step 2: Symptom Discussion

If you have noticed any persistent sores, lumps, discomfort, throat irritation, or changes in your mouth, we will discuss these symptoms before beginning the examination.

Step 3: Visual Examination

The dentist carefully examines the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat for unusual tissue changes, discoloration, or abnormalities.

Step 4: Physical Examination

Areas of the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes may be gently palpated to check for swelling, tenderness, or other changes that could require further assessment.

Step 5: Findings & Recommendations

We explain our observations, answer your questions, discuss any areas requiring monitoring, and, when appropriate, review relevant oral cancer screening guidelines and follow-up recommendations.

Step 6: Ongoing Preventive Care

Regular checkup & oral cancer screening appointments can help support ongoing oral health monitoring, particularly for patients with known risk factors or previous concerns.

Concerned About Changes In Your Mouth Or Throat?

Take A Proactive Approach To Your Oral Health

If you’ve noticed persistent sores, unusual patches, hoarseness, or other oral health changes, don’t wait to have them evaluated. Schedule a dental oral cancer screening consultation and receive a professional assessment from an experienced dental team.

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Westgate Dental & Implant Centre

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