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Dr. Mead and all I met who helped….JoAnne, Paula, Tina, Christina,….. wonderful people. Made me welcome, comfortable, and the center of their attention from start to finish. Courteous, friendly, informative, understanding, and most essential, caring. Plus, throughout it all, you get to stare at the fantastic ceilings of one of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Syracuse build in 1897. Not your normal dentist office! Highly recommended!
- Bob Reaves
What is VELscope?
Each year, over 30,000 Americans contract oral cancer, and only 57% of these people will live for more than five years without treatment. To combat this, the best course of action is vigilant screening, early diagnosis and early treatment.
In addition to visual and tactile oral cancer screening, DDS utilizes VELscope technology. VELscope is a special light that when exposed to the oral environment allows healthy tissues to fluoresce (glow) a green color. Unhealthy tissues do not fluoresce in the same way, so when a dark spot is noticed, it can indicate the need for further investigation, including biopsy. VELscope can allow the practitioner to identify potentially cancerous lesions much earlier than they would be able to doing just a visual exam.
At DDS, we do VELscope exams annually at no charge to the patient!
Frequently Asked Questions
1). Why is oral cancer screening important if I don’t have any symptoms?
Oral cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular screenings help detect abnormal tissue changes early—before they become visible or painful—leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
2). How does VELscope detect issues that a regular dental exam might miss?
VELscope uses a specialized blue light that allows healthy and abnormal tissues to appear differently. This helps reveal subtle changes beneath the surface that may not be visible during a standard exam.
3). What is the VELscope screening process like?
During the screening, your dentist uses a handheld device to shine a safe blue light inside your mouth, examining areas such as the tongue, cheeks, and gums. The process is quick, non-invasive, and typically takes just a few minutes.
4). Does a VELscope screening diagnose cancer directly?
No. VELscope is not a diagnostic tool, but it helps identify areas that may require further evaluation. If anything unusual is found, your dentist may recommend additional testing or a biopsy.
5). Is VELscope screening safe, and does it involve radiation?
Yes, it’s completely safe. VELscope uses harmless light technology and does not involve radiation, making it a safe addition to your routine dental care.
6). Can VELscope detect problems before they become serious?
Yes. One of its key benefits is the ability to identify early tissue changes that may indicate precancerous conditions, allowing for earlier intervention.
7). How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Most patients benefit from annual screenings, often performed during routine dental visits. Your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings based on your individual risk factors.
8). What happens if the screening shows an abnormal area?
If an area of concern is detected, your dentist will take a closer look and may recommend monitoring, further imaging, or referral for a biopsy to determine the cause.
9). Can oral cancer develop even if I don’t smoke or drink?
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol use increase risk, oral cancer can also occur in patients without these habits. Other factors, such as HPV and genetics, may play a role.
10). Will I feel any discomfort during the VELscope screening?
No. The screening is completely painless and does not involve any invasive tools. It is simply a visual examination using light.