Screening for oral cancer at Stoneycreek Village Dental saves lives

Although oral cancer is a deadly condition, the survival rate of its patients can be improved by 80-90% when the disease is caught early. Since mouth cancer symptoms are subtle until the condition is full-blown, routine oral cancer exams at a dental office can be a lifesaver. Dentists like Drs. Yohannes Melkie, Cristina Rodrigo and Ji Won Choi are on the front line in discovering oral cancer before it advances.

While mouth cancer risk is common in smokers and patients with a history of alcohol abuse, the disease can strike patients outside these risk groups. Since everyone is at risk of oral cancer, it’s vital to schedule routine checkups, regardless of your age or lifestyle.

Common symptoms of oral cancer

While only a medical practitioner can tell whether your symptoms are related to mouth cancer, there are signs you can keep your eyes peeled to seek proper treatment. The common symptoms of mouth cancer include:

An abnormal lump
A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
Sore/red or white patches
Persistent hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing

Mouth cancer is deadly because it’s often diagnosed too late. You can be part of the solution by reducing the risk of being diagnosed with late-stage disease. Please schedule bi-annual appointments with Stoneycreek Village Dental for early mouth cancer detection.

What to expect during an oral cancer screening

Since mouth cancer is serious, you may think that the screening usually takes hours. You are mistaken. A typical mouth cancer exam won’t take more than 10 minutes! The first part of your screening is a visual examination of your face, lips, mouth, nose, and neck to detect abnormalities. Visually, your dentist can spot lumps, swellings, sores, and colour patches associated with mouth cancer. If you wear dental appliances, your dentist will request you remove them to have an unobstructed view of your mouth.

After a visual examination, a physical exam is necessary as not all lumps can be seen with the naked eye. Your dentist uses fingers to feel for lumps in your neck, mouth, and throat. If we find abnormalities, we will recommend a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.

Detect oral cancer early with routine screenings

Due for an oral cancer screening in Fort McMurray, AB? Please dial (780) 666-7327 to schedule an appointment with Stoneycreek Village Dental for routine oral exams.

Dr. Yohannes Melkie

Dr. Yohannes Melkie obtained his Biomedical Science Degree from the University of Ottawa and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Western Ontario. He then moved to Fort Mac, where he has been practicing since. Continuous education is very important to him; he attends conferences and training sessions to stay current and provide his patients with the best quality treatment.

Dr. Melkie enjoys collaborating with patients to ensure their oral health is in good hands.

Dr. Cristina Rodrigo

Dr. Cristina Rodrigo is renowned for her expertise and compassionate approach to dental care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was awarded the Gold Medal, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto. As the founder and President of Women in Dentistry at UofT, Dr. Rodrigo showcased her leadership skills. Her experience spans Northern Ontario and Fort McMurray, where she is appreciated for her calm demeanour and ability to alleviate dental anxiety, offering comprehensive care with empathy and trust.

Dr. Ji Won Choi

Dr. Ji Won Choi is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with a rich international background. Born and raised in South Korea, she pursued her Bachelor of Science degree before moving to Canada. She earned a Master of Science from McGill University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in 2013. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Choi is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care in Fort McMurray. She is committed to continuous learning.