Did you know that head and neck cancer, including oral cancer, is among the top ten most common types of cancer? While most cases can be cured, oral cancer needs to be detected early to maximize the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Early detection of oral cancer is crucial. When people are diagnosed with oral cancer in its later stages, day-to-day life can be very difficult. Thanks to advances in dental technology, dentists in Silverado now have ways to improve the chances of early diagnosis of oral cancer in patients. At Silverado Dental Wellness, our dentist near you works hard to stay on top of the latest dental technologies, which is why we use VELscope.
In this blog, our team delves into how VELscope screening in Somerset helps us provide an accurate and timely diagnosis of oral cancer.
What is VELscope?
VELscope is a handheld, wireless device that uses the fluorescence of natural tissue to increase the ability of our dentist in Somerset to detect abnormalities within oral tissues that are not visible to the naked eye. VELscope screening near you is considered the world’s most useful tool for visualizing abnormalities in oral tissue.
How Does VELscope Work?
Unlike typical oral cancer screening, which involves a visual inspection of the oral tissues for white, red, or black areas, VELscope screening in Silverado uses a blue light to stimulate molecules within oral tissues. These molecules then release their own light in shades of red, green, and yellow. The VELscope’s filter makes it possible for our dentists to see these colors, allowing them to detect precancerous or cancerous cells through abnormal fluorescence patterns.
VELscope Provides Excellent Results
Reports and clinical experience have shown that VELscope technology is a helpful tool in examining oral tissues. Furthermore, dentists report ease of use with this technology when it is incorporated into dental practice.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
If you are over the age of forty, then you are automatically at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, genetic factors can lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. Oral cancer affects twice as many men as women. All of these risk factors are not within our control, which is why it is important that you attend oral checkups and screenings.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Smoking is often the most common reason for the development of oral cancer. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk. Furthermore, sun exposure can make you more likely to develop cancer on the lips. Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and wearing sunscreen are all ways to lower your risk of oral cancer.
Fight Oral Cancer
At Silverado Dental Wellness, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible dental services, including accurate diagnosis. That is why we are always investing in the latest dental care technologies. Early detection and treatment are the best way to ensure successful treatment and recovery regarding oral cancer. Every professional dental checkup and cleaning at our dental clinic involves an oral cancer screening to ensure that our patients remain in excellent health. If it has been more than six months since your last professional dental cleaning and checkup, please get in touch with our team of dedicated dental professionals to book a consultation today!