As part of every routine dental exam, your family dentist will conduct a physical examination of your mouth and look for visible signs of disease, such as bleeding gums or unhealed sores. Unfortunately, any number of problems could be festering just beneath the surface, making them unidentifiable during such an exam. To better examine what’s going on in the depths of the oral tissues, many dentists today rely on the technology of VELscope®.

What Is VELscope?

This wireless technology has been approved and recommended by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and the World Health Organization (WHO). VELscope is a handheld scope that relies on the natural fluorescence of the tissues in the mouth to detect oral mucosal abnormalities long before they’re visible to the naked eye. The use of this technology by family dentists results in much earlier diagnoses of serious, life-threatening illnesses, such as oral cancer, which has a dramatic and positive impact on five-year survival rates.

When Is This Technology Used?

Unlike other diagnostic tools, VELscope does not rely on any dyes or lengthy procedures. Instead, the handheld scope emits a blue light that detects abnormalities. Depending on a patient’s age and certain risk factors, their family dentist may use VELscope during routine, biannual dental exams as part of an oral cancer screening. Although that’s one of the primary uses for the technology, it can also be used in the diagnosis of several other conditions, including:

• Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections
• Squamous cell papilloma, caused by HPV
• Inflammation from injuries or allergic reactions to dental restorations
• Tumors in the salivary glands
• Other abnormalities not visible to the naked eye

As with oral cancer, many of the above conditions may present life-threatening risks if left undiagnosed and untreated until visible symptoms manifest. Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment and better patient outcomes.

VELscope is an important tool in any family dentistry practice. You can feel more confident about seeing a dentist who uses such advanced technology to provide quality care for their patients. Dr. Michael J. Minarchek and his team at Bethel Family Dentistry utilize VELscope and other advanced techniques at their family dentistry practice to ensure each of their patients receives the highest level of care. Whether you need a dental exam and cleaning, a root canal, or a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you can rely on this practice to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Minarchek, call their Bethel, OH, office at (513) 734-2029. For recent updates, oral hygiene tips, and other information, like them on Facebook.