Every six months, we want to see you for a checkup and in at least one of these visits, we will screen your smile for oral cancer. According to studies from the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with this disease, which is a screening from your Syosset, NY, dentist every year is crucial for your health!
The Dangers and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Of the thousands of people diagnosed every year with the disease, half usually succumb within just five years. The major factor behind this high-mortality rate is the fact that doctors rarely uncover the disease in the early stages. By the time people realize that something is wrong, the cancer has reached a more advanced state. However, with a screening we have a chance to diagnose the presence of the cancer in the earliest stages. Warning signs you should be aware of include persistent sore throats or hoarseness, or any sudden unexplained weight loss or changes in your voice. Sores, lesions, or rough patches that don’t heal after a week are cause for concern, as are areas with red and white splotches in your mouth. When you notice these changes, let us know so we can examine your smile right away!
Screening with VELscope
To make a diagnosis with precision and uncover cancerous and precancerous areas with accuracy, we will use the VELscope system. The device employs a special green-spectrum light that allows us to easily see abnormalities in your soft tissues. We will identify lesions and sores, and make sure they’re not due to other factors, such as burns from eating overly hot food. A biopsy is then scheduled for confirmation. The entire process usually takes as little as two minutes! You should have a screening once a year, and to limit your risk we suggest avoiding tobacco products, moderating your consumption of alcohol beverages, and cutting back on UV exposure. Let us know if you have a family history of oral cancer too!
Your Checkup Appointments
You should have a screening at least once a year, and we advise people to see us every six months for a checkup. In addition to screening for oral cancer, a checkup is a chance to identify other issues quickly and in the early stages, such as tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We also look for signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism, and can create a personalized treatment plan to restore the hath, beauty, and function of your smile.
Syosset Dental Offers Exams with Precision
A visit every few months means protecting your smile from worsening oral health and other problems. If you have questions about how we examine and screen your smile, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
