693 President Pl STE 101, Smyrna, TN 37167
Early Detection for Better Protection
Oral health goes beyond your teeth and gums, which is why routine screenings play an important role in preventive care. At Dove Family Dentistry - Smyrna, VELscope® oral cancer screening is included as part of your regular dental visits to help identify potential concerns early.
This quick and non-invasive screening takes only a few minutes and provides valuable insight into tissue health. By detecting abnormalities at an early stage, it becomes easier to manage conditions before they progress into more serious concerns.
What is VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening
VELscope® is an advanced screening technology that uses a special light to highlight abnormal tissue changes that may not be visible during a standard visual exam. It allows for a more detailed evaluation of the mouth, including areas that are often harder to assess.
Oral cancer can affect different parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and palate. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, making regular screenings an important part of maintaining overall health.
Why Regular Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Many cases of oral cancer are not identified until they reach a more advanced stage, which can make treatment more complex. Routine screenings help reduce this risk by identifying unusual changes as early as possible.
By including VELscope® as part of your preventive care routine, our team can monitor your oral health more closely and take action if anything unusual is detected.
Common Signs to Watch For
While screenings help detect early changes, it is important to stay aware of symptoms and seek care if needed:
- Persistent Sore Throat: A lasting sensation or feeling that something is stuck in the throat
- Unexplained Bleeding: Bleeding in the mouth without a clear cause
- Non-Healing Sores: Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- Numbness or Pain: Ongoing discomfort or loss of feeling in oral or facial areas
- Ear Pain: Pain that occurs without infection or injury
- Lumps or Rough Areas: Unusual textures on gums, lips, or inside the mouth
- Discolored Patches: Red, white, or mixed patches in the oral tissues
- Difficulty Eating or Speaking: Trouble chewing, swallowing, or talking
- Changes in Bite: A shift in how teeth or dentures fit together
If you notice any of these signs or experience unusual discomfort, we encourage you to contact Dove Family Dentistry - Smyrna at 615-459-6354 for further evaluation.
FAQs About VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening
It is a quick screening method that uses light technology to detect abnormal tissue changes in the mouth.