Questions About Oral Cancer

San Antonio, Texas

How can I find out if I am developing oral cancer?
The beginning signs of oral cancer are often difficult to detect because they can be painless and difficult to see without a professional head and neck exam or oral cancer screening. We provide our patients with the ViziLite Plus oral exam that can help us detect any abnormalities in the soft tissue of your mouth.

How does the ViziLite Plus oral exam work?
First you will rinse with a special mouth rinse. Then Dr. Hale will scan the mouth tissue and the rinse will cause any abnormal tissue cells to appear white.

Is a ViziLite Plus oral cancer exam safe?
Yes, it is both safe and painless. ViziLite Plus has no effect on the appearance of any cosmetic dentistry procedures and there is no need for any type of anesthetic because the exam is pain-free. You can have other procedures like dental bonding or tooth whitening, and have a ViziLite Plus oral cancer examination performed in the same visit.

Can oral cancer be treated with ViziLite Plus?
No. ViziLite Plus is a diagnostic tool. It is just a way to help us determine if you have abnormal soft tissue cells that could develop into oral cancer. Oral cancer can be one of the easiest forms of cancer to treat, but it is important to detect it as soon as possible.

When should I have an oral cancer examination?
We suggest that our patients have oral cancer examinations every time they come for a routine exam. It can also be completed during nearly any other dental visit. It takes only a few minutes.

To protect your dental health and prevent any form of oral cancer from developing, or at least to catch it very early, please contact our San Antonio cosmetic dental office today to schedule an initial consultation.