Do you have questions about VELscope® or about oral cancer screening in Chicago and Skokie, Illinois? Read our FAQ page! We also invite you to call North Dental Professionals at 773-774-1272. Our team will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you make an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Paul Chaiken or Dr. Robert Kurtz.
What is VELscope?
VELscope is an oral disease visualization device and is most frequently used to diagnose oral cancer.
Is VELscope a diagnostic tool?
Yes. Like panoramic X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds, VELscope is used to capture images of your mouth. Like these imaging technologies, it is not intended to be a stand-alone diagnostic test, but when used in conjunction with standard oral exams, it provides significant visual information to our dentists regarding your oral health.
What will my dentist see when using the VELscope?
Our dentists will see fluorescence patterns determine by your underlying physiological structure. Disruptions to these patterns may be an indicator of a lesion or other potential problem.
What is tissue fluorescence?
Tissue fluorescence is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light absorbed by human tissue re-emits that light at a different wavelength. This allows our dentists to see things in the tissue that would not otherwise be visible.
How long does a VELscope exam take to perform?
Most VELscope exams take about two minutes. Your examination process is both quick and comfortable.
Who should administer a VELscope exams?
A VELscope exam can be performed by our dentists or a hygienist, as well as your health care provider.
Is VELscope safe?
Yes. VELscope works by shining blue light generated by light emitting diodes into your mouth. It does not involve the use of radiation, chemicals, rinses, dyes or other harmful substances. We do, however, recommend that patients with a history of photosensitivity or who are using photosensitive medications avoid being exposed to the light from VELscope as a precaution.
What should I do if VELscope shows a suspicious lesion?
If VELscope shows a potentially cancerous lesion, our dentists should work with you to develop a treatment plan, including a referral to a specialist. This plan should include a biopsy to determine if the lesion is cancerous or not as well as follow-up visits to monitor the progress of your treatment.
To find out more, please visit the VELscope product page here.