Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem.
We use the VELscope device in our office to screen for oral cancer. This device emits a blue light that causes healthy tissue to flouresce, allowing us to identify any unhealthy tissue - including cancer. This is a simple procedure that only takes 1-2 minutes and doesn't use any dyes. This simple procedure can help us identify any lesions or possibly cancerous tissue early and stop it before it becomes a major problem.
Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist.