Flint Family Dentistry Services

Oral Cancer Screening

Cancer screening is an important part of routine dental and overall health care. While your dentist will always check for any visual abnormalities, a simple screening can detect problems before they become apparent.

How does an oral cancer screening work?

An oral cancer screening at Grossi Dental is usually performed during a comprehensive or recall (check-up) exam. Screening is painless and only takes a few minutes. Your dentist or hygienist at Grossi Dental will use a laser light to assess the soft tissue for cell changes that might be indicative of oral cancer. If such cell changes are present, a small biopsy will be taken and sent to a laboratory for review. If the biopsy indicates that oral cancer is present, an excision (removal) will generally be performed.

If you are experiencing any pain or symptoms that cause you concern, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team is committed to being a member of your total health and wellness team. We’re here for you and want you to feel comfortable when discussing oral health concerns.

VELscope for Oral Cancer Screening

The VELscope system helps visualize abnormalities in the tissues of your lips, mouth and upper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses, stains or discomfort, a VELscope examination lets our dentists improve their assessment of your overall oral health.

How Does the VELscope Work?

The VELscope’s blue light ‘excites’ molecules (called ‘fluorophores’) deep within the layers of oral mucosal tissues. In turn, those fluorophores emit their own light (fluorescence), in shades of green, yellow and red. The VELscope’s proprietary filter makes fluorescence visualization possible, by blocking reflected blue light, and by enhancing the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.

The next time you visit our team, ask for a VELscope Oral Cancer Screening. It’s only $25 and could potentially save your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an oral cancer exam, and why is it important?

An oral cancer exam is part of a routine dental check-up, where your dentist inspects the soft tissues of your mouth, neck, and face for any abnormalities in color or texture that could indicate a pathological issue like oral cancer. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, as the survival rate for oral cancer is around 80% if diagnosed early.

What are some common pathological conditions affecting the oral region?

Common pathological conditions include geographic tongue (a map-like appearance with missing papillae), median palatal cysts (fluid-filled sacs that develop in the palate), and hairy tongue (a bacterial or yeast overgrowth). While many of these conditions are not life-threatening, prompt diagnosis and treatment can alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

We help you attain and maintain a healthy mouth, which has a direct impact on the health of the rest of your body. No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, the Grossi Dental team is here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps toward better smiles and healthier lives. Total wellness starts with your oral health.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide, and when you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our office.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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