Call Today:
+1 (772) 589-1140
Annual Screenings
Dr. Hamilton recommends annual screenings for all patients and more frequent for those with a history of oral cancer. Velscope oral cancer screenings are painless, quick and a great adjunct to your dental examination. Early detection is key in all forms of cancer and especially oral cancer. This light is unique in that it detects tissue changes below the surface layer. Oral cancer is becoming more prevalent in younger people due to the HPV virus. Ask for more information today or request an oral cancer screening at your regular exam. If you have dental insurance, some policies are covering this procedure now.
Velscope as featured on the Dr. Oz Show
Changing Demographics
New research confirms that the risk factors for oral cancer have been expanded to include the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16), in addition to tobacco use, frequent and/or excessive alcohol consumption, a compromised immune system, and past history of cancer. This changing demographic presents an unprecedented call to action for oral cancer awareness and regular screenings.
A New Way to Examine for Oral Disease
VELscope® Vx technology is changing the way oral mucosal examinations take place. The VELscope® Vx handheld device emits a harmless, bright blue light which is used to inspect the mouth and tongue. The device is sensitive to abnormal tissue changes and the distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissue (oral mucosa) of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinct patterns that may be visibly disrupted when tissue undergoes an abnormal change (which can occur in the oral mucosa for a multitude of reasons,) such as when associated with dysplasia or oral cancer.
Riverside Family Dental, P.A.
Dr. Holly Hamilton, DMD Dr. Joshua Yanoviak, DMD Dr. Antonio Rabassa, DMD
Your Oral Health is Important!
Why Early Discovery Matters?
The statistics are highly suggestive: when discovered early the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer patients is about 83%. Unfortunately, most cases of oral cancer are discovered in late stages, when the five-year survival rate drops to around 50 percent.
The VELscope device is based on an imaging modality which is sensitive to tissue changes. Its use in everyday practice can provide timely information to dentists and hygienists to enable enhanced visualization of abnormal tissues, which is beneficial for patients.