As a family dentist, I try to take every precaution to make sure that you and your family have the healthiest mouths around. After all, your oral health has a direct correlation to your overall health and well being.
Oral cancer is one of the most severe dental problems. According to the American Dental Association, oral cancer affects approximately 34,360 Americans each year. Oral cancer can be fatal, with more than 25% of those diagnosed dying of the disease. On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years. I am not telling you this to scare you. Here at Lake Orion Family Dentistry, my team and I want to educate you about your oral health, as well as provide you with top-notch dental care.
Fortunately, recent technological advances have provided the dental world with VELscope, a tool that helps dentists detect oral cancer early, before cancer cells reach the surface. VELscope is a non-invasive, hand-held device that I use in conjunction with traditional oral, head, and neck exams to assess for oral cancer.
The VELscope hand piece shines a safe, blue light into the oral cavity. Healthy tissue glows bright green, while suspicious areas appear darker. Once I have done a full examination of your mouth using the VELscope, I can discuss my findings and, if necessary, we’ll talk about a biopsy.
VELscope is just one way of preventing oral cancer from advancing. It is imperative that you attend six-month dental checkups and follow through with dental appointments to ensure your mouth is healthy and working properly. For more information about VELscope, or to schedule an appointment, please contact my Lake Orion dental office.
