Fighting Oral Cancer

Our office has the latest technology inoral cancer screening. VELscopeTM is a state-of-the-art, painless, non-invasive screening tool which helps us to see what we can’t see with the unaided eye.

What can you expect during a VELscope examination? After conducting a thorough oral cancer examination, we’ll use a handheld device to shine a blue light into your mouth when examining the tissues through a special eyepiece. This technology takes advantage of your mouth’s natural fluorescence which is normally invisible. Using the blue light, we can look for specific changes in the color or the structure of your oral tissues that might be indicative of abnormal cells. It takes about five potentially life-saving minutes and only costs $20 (other office charge as much as $85)

We realize that this is a growing area of concern and want all of our patients to have a bright and smiling future. Recently, more than 25% of oral cancer victims have been under the age of forty and have none of the known lifestyle risk factors like tobacco, alcohol use, diabetes, or HIV. One person dies every hour form oral cancer. In its earliest, most treatable stages, oral cancer usually causes no pain or discomfort. WE recommend that each of our adult patients have the VELscope examination during their yearly exam with the dentist.

What You Need To Know About Whitening

In our practice, we believe the best patient is an informed patient. We diligently research and pursue what we think are the best options to bring an outstanding and cost-effective experience to our patients. Teeth whitening is not exception.

Here are some whitening facts that might interest you:

1. Teeth naturally darken with age. This will continue throughout your lifetime.

2. The foods you eat and drink stain your teeth.

3. Whitening, when done properly, has no negative long term effects to natural healthy teeth.

4. Whitening is successful for at least 90% of patients.

5. Whitening can eliminate accumulated surface stains (created by everyday eating and drinking).

6. Light has not lasting effect on outcome.

Whitening procedures and techniques can have a dramatic effect on your smile in a very short time. No one can guarantee the results of bleaching, but one thing is certain - we are up-to-date on all the latest techniques. We do offer in-office whitening, but we will not use a "special" light because it serves no purpose, however, we do include take-home materials for long term maintenance. Please feel free to ask us about your best whitening option. We always look forward to hearing from you.