VELscope®
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VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening at Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics
Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics believes in caring for your oral health and overall health with advancement in care. One way we are doing this is through VELscope®, a revolutionary device as it relates to oral cancer screening. This new technology uses a handheld device with a special light that allows us to visualize abnormalities in oral tissues at their earliest, sometimes undetectable, stage.
What is the VELscope®?
The VELscope® is a handheld, non-invasive device that utilizes a particular wavelength of blue light in order to illuminate changes in the oral tissue. This wavelength facilitates the identification of abnormalities, including:
Pre-cancerous dysplasia
Early-stage oral cancer
Infections
Trauma or lesions
When the VELscope® is pointed in the oral cavity, the blue light allows us to observe the natural fluorescence properties of tissues. Healthy tissues will fluoresce in a predictable manner. For abnormal tissues, we may see some differences in fluorescence; dark areas may represent possible abnormal tissues, called fluorescence, that necessitate further risk assessment.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings so important?
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of people per year and early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes. The American Cancer Society indicates that survival rates for oral cancer are high when identified in the early stage. Regular screenings allow us to:
Identify abnormal areas at an early stage, when they are most treatable
Istake Steps to avoid the progression of oral cancer
Help to provide peace of mind for our patients
Who should be screened with VELscope® ?
Only adults are recommended to receive VELscope® screenings. All patients should be screened regardless of risk factors for oral cancer. Nevertheless, some patients may be at higher risk for developing oral cancer. The following patients should be especially encouraged to have VELscope® screening:
Tobacco users (smokers or chewers)
Heavy drinkers
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) positive patients
Patients with a family history of oral cancer
While these patients may be at a higher risk for oral cancer, patients without risk factors can also benefit from routine screenings for oral cancer as it can happen to anyone.
What Can You Expect During a VELscope® Screening?
The VELscope® procedure is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:
Visual Exam
Our dental team will begin with a visual examination of your oral tissue including your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and throat.
Blue Light Illumination
We will employ a handheld blue light device to illuminate your mouth. The blue light allows us to better identify any abnormal fluorescence in the tissues.
Evaluation
If any unusual findings are present, we will discuss a plan moving forward, which may include additional testing, monitoring, or a referral for biopsy.
Advantages of Bright Smiles’ VELscope®
Early Identification:
Alerts concerned parties of possible issues before they manifest themselves or become symptomatic.
Non-Invasive:
A quick and easy process with no incisions or injections.
Complete Care:
Adding VELscope® to our regular examinations adds another layer of care.
Peace of Mind:
To know your oral health is thoroughly checked helps with your overall health and knowing you can go and do your day-to-day routines with assurance.
Book Your VELscope® Screening Now
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics is happy to offer an advanced tool called VELscope® designed to keep our patients healthy. While maybe it’s your first screening, or daily check up, we are devoted to making sure you will be healthy and confident in your smile.
Call us now at (678) 941-5151 and schedule an appointment at one of our Dawsonville, Cumming, or Lawrenceville, GA locations.
FAQ:
1. What is VELscope® and how does it work for oral cancer screening?
VELscope® is a handheld, non-invasive device that uses blue light to illuminate tissues in the mouth. It helps identify early-stage oral cancer, pre-cancerous dysplasia, infections, and lesions by highlighting abnormal areas that don’t fluoresce like healthy tissues.
2. Why is it important to get an oral cancer screening with VELscope®?
Oral cancer can be life-threatening, but early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes. VELscope® helps identify abnormal areas early when they are most treatable. Regular screenings can reduce risks, prevent progression, and provide peace of mind for patients in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA.
3. Who should get a VELscope® screening for oral cancer?
VELscope® screenings are recommended for all adults regardless of risk factors. However, high-risk individuals like tobacco users, heavy drinkers, those with HPV, and those with a family history of oral cancer should be particularly encouraged to undergo this screening.
4. Is the VELscope® oral cancer screening painful?
No, the VELscope® screening is non-invasive and painless. The process involves a visual exam and the use of a blue light device to examine oral tissues, which takes only a few minutes and requires no injections or incisions.
5. How often should I get a VELscope® screening?
VELscope® screenings should be a part of your regular dental checkups. If you are at higher risk for oral cancer, such as tobacco use or family history, you may be advised to get more frequent screenings. Discuss with your Bright Smiles dentist in Cumming, Lawrenceville, or Dawsonville, GA to determine the best screening schedule for you.
6. Can VELscope® detect oral cancer in its earliest stages?
Yes, VELscope® is designed to detect early-stage oral cancer and pre-cancerous abnormalities that are often undetectable through regular visual exams. It helps catch potential issues before they develop into more serious conditions.
7. What happens if the VELscope® screening detects something abnormal?
If an abnormal area is detected during the VELscope® screening, your dentist will discuss the next steps. These may include further tests, monitoring, or a biopsy for a more detailed examination.
8. How does VELscope® improve the accuracy of oral cancer screenings?
VELscope® enhances the accuracy of oral cancer screenings by using blue light to highlight tissues with abnormal fluorescence. This early detection technology allows your dentist to spot potential issues in their earliest stages, providing more accurate diagnoses.
9. Is the VELscope® screening covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings, including the VELscope® screening, as part of your routine dental exam. It’s best to check with your insurance provider or consult with our team at Bright Smiles to verify coverage.
10. How can I schedule a VELscope® screening at Bright Smiles?
To schedule your VELscope® oral cancer screening, call Bright Smiles at (678) 941-5151 or visit our website. We offer convenient appointments at our locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA. Let us help you stay on top of your oral health with the latest in oral cancer detection technology.
Why Choose Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Local Expertise
We know the Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville communities and are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our neighbors.
Comprehensive Services
From dental implants to orthodontics and general dentistry, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.
Patient-Centered Care
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that fits their individual needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to transform your smile? Contact Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics today at (678) 941-5151 to schedule your consultation. With convenient locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA, we’re here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through our comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry services.
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