Our dental office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a preventive-based approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like any kind of cancer, oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. You are the most important factor in the early diagnosis of oral cancer through routine screenings through our office.
Are you at risk for oral cancer? The most common factors include:
- A previous history of oral cancer
- Over 40 years of age
- Any tobacco use, such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
- Excessive or heavy drinking
However, 40 percent of oral cancers are found in patients who do not present with any of the traditional risk factors or any other significant lifestyle risks. This means that even if you don’t have any risk factors for oral cancer, you could still be at risk.
Advanced Screening with OralID
OralID gives us a step ahead of cancer with proven, optically based fluorescence technology in a hand-held device. OralID's fluorescence light source allows us to see any irregularities in your lips, mouth, tongue, and throat that may have been missed under normal incandescent light.
During your oral exam, we will use OralID to look for abnormal tissue. With OralID, we can identify and evaluate abnormalities in your mouth, such as suspicious oral lesions, precancerous cells, and cancer that may be difficult to see during a regular visual exam.
Remember, early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment. As us about OralID oral cancer screening at your next appointment!
