Did you know that one person in the United States dies every hour from oral cancer? While this disease might not be brought up as often as cavities or gum disease in your dentist’s office, its presence can be devastating for your health if it’s not caught at an early stage. Plus, although lifestyle choices like heavy tobacco use can increase your odds of contracting oral cancer, 25% of current victims exhibit no known risk factors, meaning that anybody could potentially be at risk. At Dental Passion in the Upper West Side, Dr. Robert Shick and his team are committed to providing patients with the latest in dental technology and high-quality care, and that includes Vizilite Plus, a revolutionary new tool for detecting the presence of oral cancer. We take the threat of disease very seriously, and with the help of Vizilite Plus for patients from New York City and beyond, we can minimize or even eliminate negative consequences altogether at the earliest possible stages.
It’s simple – you’ll rinse your mouth with a cleansing solution and then sit back as we use the special Vizilite Plus light to closely inspect the tissue. Healthy tissues look dark, while potential problem areas will show up as white with the help of this advanced technology. If we do discover a suspicious area, it may not necessarily indicate the presence of oral cancer; the area could be benign, or simply the result of a bite or irritation. Dr. Shick will review the results closely and then make recommendations on what your next step should be. Vizilite Plus is a great addition to the standard oral cancer exam because it’s simple, painless, and it gives us the best chance possible to discover abnormalities early on!
We recommend that all patients over the age of 18 attend an annual comprehensive oral cancer screening that includes Vizilite Plus. In addition, patients who have a history of oral cancer, use tobacco on a regular basis, and/or are forty or older are at a much higher risk and may want to consider attending more frequent appointments at our Upper West Side dental office.
Contact Dental Passion in the Upper West Side today to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team of professionals! We can’t wait to welcome you and your family and treat your smiles to dental care that’s truly comfortable and high-quality.
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With years of valuable experience under his belt, Dr. Robert Shick enjoys treating families to comprehensive dental care that leaves their smiles better and brighter.