Michigan Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry is proud to announce that we are the first office in Michigan to have incorporated the VELscope System into our practice.
The VELscope System is a revolutionary hand-help device that provides dentists and hygienists with a new tool to aid in the early detection of oral cancer. The VELscope System, recently approved by the FDA, was developed by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and Vancouver-based LED Dental Inc.
The VELscope examination is a non-invasive, painless procedure which takes only a few minutes. The dentist shines a blue light into the mouth to cause it to fluoresce. This fluorescence helps the dentist visualize abnormal tissue which may be, or may lead to, oral cancer.
Over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually in the United States. With a mortality rate of over 50% at 5 years, one person every hour dies of oral cancer in America. If detected early however, oral cancer is 90% survivable. Dr. Mastis states: "We've always conducted an annual comprehensive oral cancer screening for all of our patients, but the VELscope System will allow us to see things we've been unable to see previously. By detecting potential problems earlier, we'll be providing our patients with the best oral health care currently available."
For more information regarding the VELscope System, call us with your questions or to schedule an appointment for your screening.