(403) 382-2273

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice, and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), Health Canada and the Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

To ensure the health and well-being of our patients and team members, we have installed 2 different types of air purifiers at our dental office. Both of these are manufactured by the Canadian company, Surgically Clean Air.

Both of these filters perform their duties without being loud, (an industry-leading low level of about 55DB) or creating a “breeze” that can be uncomfortable for our patients. 

Some additional changes you may also see when it is time for your next appointment. For example:

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (403) 382‑2273.

So come on in to get your dental work done and enjoy Surgically Clean Air! 

What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

What you need to know about oral cancer

Oral Cancer is not a rare disease and in fact it is occurring more frequently in a younger population. At one time, oral cancer was associated almost exclusively with tobacco and alcohol use, as well as aging. A dramatic increase in the past few years is believed to be caused by exposure to HPV, specifically HPV 16 which is responsible for more cervical cancers. HPV otherwise known as human papilloma virus has over 100 strains. This virus derives its name from what it can cause-warts otherwise known as papilloma. Some strains may cause visible warts on the hands/feet whereas some other strains infect other areas of the body but with a lack of symptoms making the disease undetectable without professional screening. Some strains of HPV can cause a sexually transmitted disease called genital warts which can increase the chance of developing genital and reproductive organ cancers in both women and men. In regard to oral cancer, dental professionals are also concerned about these strains as they can infect the soft tissue of the oral cavity/throat and can increase the chance of developing oral and/or throat cancers.

Screening for oral cancer is important in anyone who is sexually active; this includes both teens and adults. New vaccines that are now accessible for prevention of HPV which may also work to prevent HPV-related oral cancer. At your dental cleaning and examination appointments your mouth should be screened for oral cancer. This usually entails both visual and palpation of the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, neck and face which takes about 5 minutes. A thorough exam like this enables the oral care professional to keep track of any changes within the mouth. Besides visual and manual palpation some dental offices use an oral cancer screening device which use different wavelengths of light to detect tissue changes, sometimes well before they are visible with the naked eye. If you experience any of these common warning signs, please book an appointment with us right away.

  • red or white patch in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks
  • hoarseness or change in the voice that does not go away
  • a sore throat that does not go away
  • swelling, pain or a sore in the mouth or neck that does not subside


When oral cancer is detected in early stages survival rate is high. We recommend you check your mouth on a monthly basis at home for any changes. When visiting your dentist and dental hygienist ask them if they are performing an oral cancer exam at each visit.

At Cool Dental we use Velscope as an adjunctive screening tool to our regular oral cancer examination on a yearly basis to screen for oral cancer. Research has shown that Velscope may enable a dental professional to visualize tissue changes well before they are visualized or palpated.


SMILES TRANSFORMED

From dental implants to dentures,

see some successful cases by Dr. Karstan Lachman

before and after photo of patient smiling 1
before and after photo of patient smiling 2
before and after photo of patient smiling 3

More Before & Afters

lobby of Cool Dental in Lethbridge AB

Are you ready for a new dental experience?

Copyright 2025 Cool Dental and Dental Growth Strategies | All Rights Reserved | Powered by DGS