GENERAL DENTISTRY

CANCER DETECTION

Fortunately, most oral "sores" or "lesions" are not harmful. But a small number are dangerous, and if not identified early, they may progress to a more advanced stage.

Oral cancer is a devastating disease when detected in its later stages. Late stage treatment usually involves major facial surgery with only half of such patients surviving past five years. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist regularly so that dangerous oral lesions can be detected at an early most, easily curable stage.

Regular dental checkups, which include an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of both cancerous and precancerous conditions. A person may have a dangerous oral lesion and not be aware of it.

Because harmful oral lesions often look identical to those that are harmless, the dentist cannot visually determine which lesions are troublesome. Only testing can do this.

Your dentist now has a quick and painless test that can help identify which oral lesions need further treatment.

OralCDx® is a brush biopsy test that your dentist can use on lesions in your mouth to determine if there are potentially dangerous (precancerous or cancerous) cells present.

The OralCDx test does not require anesthesia or numbing, and causes minimal to no bleeding or discomfort.

After a special computer-assisted analysis, the laboratory informs the dentist whether the tissue from your lesion contains abnormal cells.

In the majority of cases, the sample obtained will be normal, reassuring you and the dentist that the oral lesion does not contain precancerous or cancerous cells. Your dentist may need to retest your lesion periodically if it persists or changes.

When abnormal cells are identified by the OralCDx test, your dentist will direct you for further testing. Rest assured that both you and your dentist have taken the right first step to detect oral cancer early ñ when the chances of a complete cure are highest.

Oral cancer occurs more often in those who use tobacco in any form including: cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars; or those who consume large amounts of alcohol. But oral cancer can and does develop in people of all ages, races, and lifestyle habits. Over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol socially.

We can Bill your Medical Insurance for your Dental & Oral Health

If you have Traditional Medical Insurnace or PPO that allows

"out of network services"