In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest standard of care available to our patients, this practice is proud to announce the inclusion of the VizilLite® Plus exams as an integral part of our annual comprehensive oral screening program.

One person dies every hour from oral cancer in the United States - and the mortality has remained unchanged for more than 40 years.  Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase.  As with most other cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer.  Though tobacco use is a major predisposing risk factor, 27% of oral cancer victims have no lifestyle risk factors.  According to the American Center Society, more women in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year (12,000 cases) than will be diagnosed with cervical caner (< 10,000 cases), and there are as many cases of oral cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV 16/18), a sexually transmitted disease, as there are HPV-related cases of cervical cancer.

Clinical studies have determined that using ViziLite Plus after the standard oral cancer examination improves the dental professional's ability to identify and evaluate suspicious areas at their earliest stages.  Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life.  Proven screening technologies such as mammogram, Pap smear, PSA and colonoscopy offer the same type of early detection of cancer.  ViziLite Plus is an easy and painless examination that gives this practice the best change to find any oral abnormalities you may have at the earliest possible stage.

Oral cancer risk by patient profile is listed below:

Increased Risk:  Patients age 18 - 39, sexually active patients (HPV 16/18)

High Risk:  Patients age 40 and older; tobacco users younger than age 40

Highest Risk:  Patients age 40 and older and lifestyle risk factors (tobacco use); patients with a history of oral cancer;

Dental insurance might not cover this advanced oral cancer screening as an addition to the standard visual examination.  Our office will provide you with a medical insurance form for you to use to file this procedure with your medical insurance.