VELscope Oral Cancer Screening

Advanced Oral Cancer Screening with VELscope Technology

At Shoal Creek Dental Care in Austin, TX, we prioritize your oral health with cutting-edge diagnostic tools. Our VELscope Oral Cancer Screening system offers a quick, painless way to detect potential issues early. This FDA-approved technology allows us to identify concerning lesions and patches that may not be visible under normal light. With over 60 years of experience, our privately owned practice combines innovative technology with meticulous attention to detail for comprehensive oral care.

Our oral cancer screening through VELscope:

• Can be combined with digital photography
• Detects lesions, white and red patches
• Detects problem areas that cannot be seen under white light
• Exposes precancerous and cancerous tissue
• Helps dentists check that diseased soft tissue is completely removed
• Helps diagnose oral cancer in its earliest stages, exponentially increasing the chance of survival.

Our dentists will perform a regular visual examination of the whole lower face. This includes the glands, tongue, cheeks and palate as well as the teeth. The dentist provides special eyewear to protect the integrity of the retinas. The lights in the room are dimmed to allow a clear view of the oral cavity. Don't wait to prioritize your health - reach out to our team or request an appointment online for your screening today.

Recognizing the Need for Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is often deemed the "forgotten disease," because it kills more people than testicular cancer, cervical cancer and cancer of the brain each year and receives little publicity in return. Each year, over 30,000 Americans contract oral cancer, and only 57% of these people will live for more than five years without treatment.

Many people believe that if they abstain from tobacco and alcohol use, oral cancer will not affect them. Tobacco and alcohol use does contribute to oral cancer; however, 25% of those diagnosed abstain from both substances.

The best way to stay protected from oral cancer is to get annual oral cancer screenings. Most dentists perform an oral cancer exam during a regular dental checkup. The FDA-approved VELscope® offers dentists another examination tool to help detect oral cancer in its earliest stages. The VELscope® is a blue excitation lamp, which highlights precancerous and cancerous cell changes.

Here are some signs that you might benefit from this advanced screening:

• Unexplained changes in oral tissue color or texture
• Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Lumps or thickening of oral soft tissues
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or it's been over a year since your last oral cancer screening, contact Shoal Creek Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

Advantages of Choosing Shoal Creek Dental Care for Your Screening

When you choose Shoal Creek Dental Care for your VELscope Oral Cancer Screening, you're opting for a practice that combines experience with innovation.

Our approach offers several benefits:

• Comprehensive examinations using state-of-the-art technology
• Over six decades of dental experience
• Locally owned practice focused on patient care
• Quick and painless screening process
• Ability to detect issues invisible to the naked eye
• Emergency and same-day appointments when available

Experience the difference that dedicated, professional care can make. Reach out to Shoal Creek Dental Care to learn more about our VELscope screenings.

Schedule Your VELscope Screening Today

Your oral health is too important to neglect. At Shoal Creek Dental Care, we're committed to providing thorough, compassionate care using the latest in dental technology. Our VELscope Oral Cancer Screening offers peace of mind and could potentially save your life. Don't wait to prioritize your health - contact our Austin office today to schedule your screening and take the first step towards a healthier future. If finances are an issue, chat with us about CareCredit.