Advanced Oral Cancer Screening
Smiles Plus Dental Care strongly recommends advanced oral cancer screenings at least once a year. We are concerned about oral cancer and look for it in every patient; therefore, oral cancer screenings are a very important part of your dental visit. Our oral cancer screening device detects abnormalities or suspicious areas within the oral cavity that may not be visible to the naked eye. Your dentist and hygienist are the first lines of defense in the early detection or oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Affects Many Individuals
One American dies from oral cancer every hour. And, over 43,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While tobacco and alcohol use remain high risk factors, age and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV) are now recognized as additional key contributors. In fact, 27% of today’s oral cancer victims do not smoke or drink.
Oral Cancer Screening Methods
The accepted means of screening has always been visual examination and palpation (touching/feeling with fingers). However, this has been shown to be ineffective in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates of oral cancer - especially oral squamous cell cancer, the most common type. FDA-approved, adjunctive screening tests have now been developed to better visualize early abnormal cellular changes before they can be detected with unaided visual examination.
Oral Cancer Affects Many Individuals
One American dies from oral cancer every hour. And, over 43,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While tobacco and alcohol use remain high risk factors, age and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV) are now recognized as additional key contributors. In fact, 27% of today’s oral cancer victims do not smoke or drink.
Oral Cancer Screening Methods
The accepted means of screening has always been visual examination and palpation (touching/feeling with fingers). However, this has been shown to be ineffective in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates of oral cancer - especially oral squamous cell cancer, the most common type. FDA-approved, adjunctive screening tests have now been developed to better visualize early abnormal cellular changes before they can be detected with unaided visual examination.
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Our advanced oral cancer screening, using ViziLite PRO®, is an annual early detection procedure similar to the mammogram, pap smear, prostate specific antigen test and colonoscopy. An early detection screening is advisable for all sexually active patients and/or patients ages 21 and over once per year. Early detection screening allows us to identify suspicious areas of the mouth at the earliest possible stages during your routine cleaning and exam visit. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life.
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ViziLite Pro Device
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