Velscope
Research has provided dentistry with a new examination technology that dramatically improves our ability to screen for oral abnormalities that could lead to a cancerous lesion. Recently, more than 25% or oral cancers have been seen in patients under the age of 40, with few if any of the typical lifestyle risks. As with any cancer, early detection is the key, and so any technique that speeds up our ability to notice these changes is welcome by the profession.
Typically, at your new patient examination, or your recall examination, we will examine your whole mouth, including your tongue, lips and cheek areas for any suspicious areas. The VELScope is a tool that will help us to identify whether a suspicious area should warrant further investigation. The VELScope is a painless blue light that illuminates the mouth’s natural fluorescence which is normally invisible.
It takes only a few minutes, but the consequences can be dramatic. If you have any questions about this technology, or how it may apply to you, please feel free to contact any one of our dental team.