Oral Cancer and Dental Exams
Oral Cancer and ViziLite Plus
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early. That's why the ViziLite Plus exam has been developed. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of the body. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer.
The ViziLite Plus exam can help Dr. Newman identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life.
ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination:
- First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution.
- Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
- Then, Dr. Newman will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a
specially designed light technology.
When cancer is found early, treatment is not only less invasive, but can be more effective. Don’t delay, schedule an oral screening with Dr. Newman today by calling 615.385.3507.
Dental Exams
Dr. Newman suggest having a comprehensive dental exam performed, at minimum, every 6 months. During a dental exam, Dr. Newman will normally perform a number of exams and screenings to help identify a number of conditions, oral diseases and even cancer. Examination with diagnostic x-rays, radiographs, are needed for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and may identify bone loss. X-rays also help identify positioning of tooth and roots which are necessary for diagnosis and surgery. Some of the examinations Dr. Newman performs regularly are oral cancer screening, tooth decay exam, inspection of existing restorations (i.e. crowns, fillings, veneers, etc.) and evaluation for gum disease.
About Dental X-rays
All dentists and dental hygienists use x-ray information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan customized for the patient. Without the technical value of x-rays, problem areas can easily go undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside of the tooth or below the gum line
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth! In the course of a day you receive the same amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays. Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation we take precautions to protect our patients including using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray. The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient's individual dental health needs.
What's So Special About Professional Dental Cleaning?
Professional dental cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a general dental exam and when a dental cleaning is involved, Dr. Newman will remove calculus - also known as tartar, removal of plaque and teeth polishing.
