VELscope Vx provides a painless way for dentists to see oral abnormalities
Helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile is only part of the job for Dr. Dennis Lucas and his team. Making sure the underlying tissues in your mouth are free of abnormalities that may signal more serious issues such as oral cancer is a crucial component of his holistic dentistry practice. This is where the new VELscope® Vx comes into play.
Dr. Lucas invested in the VELscope® Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System because oral cancer screening is so critical for early detection. This tool uses Fluorescence Visualization technology to make it easy for Dr. Lucas to see potential problems in your mouth with the naked eye.
The VELscope is a wireless, handheld scope that shines a special blue light inside your mouth. It illuminates healthy tissues in a green, fluorescent hue and is completely painless.
Lesions and other potential indicators of oral cancer appear much darker and are easy for Dr. Lucas to notice. These abnormalities might not be visible at all without the VELscope light, and in fact this technology lets us detect potentially dangerous growths beneath the surface as well as those at the surface.
Next steps if we see a potential problem
Usually, an oral exam using the VELscope does not reveal any abnormalities of note. However, there are occasions when we need to take a biopsy so a pathologist take a closer look at a tissue sample under a microscope.
If the sample does turn out to be cancerous or what we refer to as pre-cancerous, we will refer you to appropriate specialists for follow-up treatment. The survival rate for oral cancers discovered early is very high, which is why it is so important to conduct oral screenings with tools such as the VELscope.
Dr. Lucas recommends annual screenings for all our patients, and twice per year if you smoke or chew tobacco as your risk level is higher.
We welcome the opportunity to help you with your dental care.
About Dr. Dennis Lucas – Naples, Florida, dentist
Dr. Dennis Lucas performs cosmetic and restorative dental techniques, as well as traditional preventive dental services for patients in and around Naples, Florida. His combination of expertise, supported by the latest in dental technology and a holistic approach to care, ensures oral health plays a role in his patients’ total healthcare picture. Call (239) 262-5851 to schedule an appointment.
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