Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection for
Lifelong Health
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Routine screenings help protect your long-term health by identifying concerns early, when treatment is most effective. Your periodontist closely examines the tissues of your mouth, gums, tongue, and jaw for any abnormalities that may require follow-up. Screenings help identify:
Jaw, tongue, or throat irregularities
Red or white patches in the mouth
Tissue changes beneath the gums
Signs linked to tobacco, alcohol use, or chronic irritation
VELscope Screening
VELscope is an enhanced oral cancer screening tool that uses a safe blue light to help highlight subtle tissue changes that may not be easily seen under standard operatory lighting. By improving visibility of certain oral tissues, it supports a more thorough evaluation and can help your periodontist decide when an area should be monitored more closely or evaluated further. The scan is quick, painless, and non-invasive, and it can be completed during your periodontal exam without any downtime. VELscope Can Help With:
Highlighting areas that may need closer monitoring over time
Supporting screening for patients with higher risk factors
Improving visualization of tissue changes in hard-to-see areas
Providing added documentation for follow-up comparisons
What to Expect During Your Screening
Our screenings are quick, comfortable, and performed as part of your routine periodontal exam or cleaning visit.
Visual Examination
Your periodontist checks the inside of your mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, and throat for visible tissue changes.
Tactile Evaluation
Gentle palpation of the jaw, neck, and oral tissues helps detect any hidden lumps or firmness.
Assessment of Risk Factors
We review lifestyle habits, medical history, and symptoms that may increase oral cancer risk.
Guidance and Next Steps
If anything unusual is found, we discuss recommendations, monitoring, or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.