Did you know? Kits Family Dental is one of only 20% of dental offices in BC that has a VELscope machine!
Why do VELscope machines matter?
Over 500 cases of oral cancer were documented by the BC Cancer society in 2009? Over 80% of those cases could have been detected by a dentist doing oral cancer screening. It is crucial that oral cancer be detected early to improve the chances of a positive outcome. Dentists will notice suspicious lesions in the mouth before the patient has any of the other symptoms of oral cancer.
Now, with the help of a VELscope machine, it’s even easier for dentists to detect oral cancer or other oral diseases during your regular dental exams!
The VELscope is the first adjunctive device cleared by the FDA and Health Canada to help clinicians detect cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions and other lesions that might not be apparent to the naked eye. The VELscope is also cleared to help surgeons determine appropriate surgical margins.
- It is a hand held device that helps dentists and hygienists detect a wide variety of oral diseases
- It can be used in conjunction with conventional oral exams
- It’s non-invasive
How does it work?
- It emits a safe blue light into the oral cavity
- This light causes fluorophores to fluoresce; however, this cannot be seen by the human eye
- The VELscope’s filter makes it possible to see the fluorescence of the fluorophores by blocking out the blue light emitted and allowing the operator to focus on the problematic areas. This is possible because the fluorophores emit their own light, in shades of green yellow and red.
- Fluorescence? What? Fluorescence occurs when light is taken in by human tissue and creates a molecular excitation that emits the light again at a different wavelength
- The VELscope is not a standalone test. It provides visual information that is impossible to attain otherwise. It is meant for use alongside with conventional oral soft tissue examinations.
What does this mean for me? Hint – Quick, Safe and Completely Painless
- The VELscope is an examination that takes approximately 3 minutes, while providing no discomfort to you.
- All that’s being done is emitting light into your mouth, which is generated by light emitting diodes.
- It is completely safe!
- It is used by over 6000 dentists, with over 6 million exams performed.
Questions? Contact Us.
Book your VELscope exam today! Call 604.738.1816, email info@kitsfamilydental.com or fill out our brief Online Appointment Request webform.
London Drugs also offers free oral cancer screening at six select locations.
