Detecting Oral Cancer Early Can Save Your Life

November 16, 2010

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.

Our Services

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General Dentistry

General dental care provides preventive services along with feedback about your oral health. We provide important oral health reviews for patients of all ages.

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Advanced Dentistry

The right solution for an active oral health issue can give you more confidence in your smile along with the support to bite and chew comfortably.

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Children’s Dentistry

We strive to make every visit comfortable for the kids who depend on us, and we provide reviews and protection that helps you keep them safe from oral health threats.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

We offer conservative, lasting solutions to the flaws that rob people of confidence in the way they look when they speak and smile.