Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early.  And that is why a simple, painless exam has been proven successful in identifying other types of precancerous abnormalities. It's called the ViziLite® exam, and it's particularly important for patients with increased risk factors for oral cancer.

When oral cancer is found at the earliest stage, treatment is quickest, simpler, less invasive, and more than 90% successful. (more info)

DIAGNOdent®

It is our goal to help you maintain and improve your oral health.

To achieve this goal, the dental care you and your family receive in our office always includes State-of-the-Art equipment.  Among the newest technologies is a small laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent®, which scans your teeth with harmless laser light searching for hidden decay.

( more info )

before VizaLite®

Why does the ViziLite® exam make the difference?

• ViziLite® is a technology used by Dr. McClinchey to assist in the early detection of oral abnormalities.
   
• The abnormal areas that might be seen in the conventional examination are more clearly identified with ViziLite®.
   
• The ViziLite® exam improves the ability to identify, evaluate and monitor these abnormal areas.  That's why experts recommend it.

after VizaLite®

• Primary Risk Factors
  • age 40 and older
  • tobacco use including "smokeless" tobacco
     
• Other Risk Factors
  • heavy or chronic alcohol consumption
  • viral infections, particularly HPV 16/18
  • long term exposure to the sun (lip cancer)
  • a history of white or red patches on the oral tissue

Many reports suggest that head and neck cancer, particularly tongue cancer, is increasing among young adults.

Conventional
Method

using Laser

Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure  (from the inside out) is a major goal for modern dentistry.  The widespread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, toothpastes and drinking water has made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay.  However, diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surfaces is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth structure beneath the surface.

X-rays and probing with an explorer are limited in detecting sub surface decay, particularly when the cavity is in its early stages.  Fortunately, the DIAGNOdent® allows the dentist and hygienist to locate hidden decay, and with treatment stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within.