Oral Cancer Screening
Get a specialized oral cancer screening in Plano, TX to detect mouth cancer or an abnormality before any doctor could see it in the mouth under normal examining room lights.
According to the American Cancer Society, every year an estimated 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers.
Unfortunately, there is little awareness surrounding oral cancer preventive screening. Many people believe that if they keep away from alcohol and tobacco use, they are safe from oral cancer. Taking this into account, according to the National Cancer Institute, while abstinence is vital, it does not take away from the need to have regular oral cancer screenings.
Many dentists perform a cursory physical exam for oral cancer during regular dental checkups. Oral ID screening is a more dependable, FDA-approved examination to detect the signs of cancer in any part of the mouth.
Overview of Oral ID Cancer Screening Light
Oral ID employs Fluorescence Visualization (FV) to expose abnormal tissue, lesions, and changes in the oral cavity that would otherwise be invisible to the eye. This oral cancer screening light is a great way of detecting mouth and throat cancers. Symptoms of mouth cancer look similar to other less serious mouth and throat problems. This is why early detection of mouth and throat cancers doesn’t always occur, as per the Oral Cancer Foundation.
The earlier method of using oral cancer screening dye was another hindering factor. The new Oral ID system used by Dr. David Wilhite DDS provides a better look at what’s happening beneath the surface. Blue light is naturally absorbed by the healthy soft tissue during laryngeal cancer screening. Potentially malignant disorders and areas become a darker hue than the lighter green of the healthy tissue.
The procedure is simple, painless and fast, but is proven to save lives. The sooner an issue can be discovered, the sooner it can be treated and the better the chances of recovery.
Schedule an oral cancer screening:
Contact us online or call (972) 964-3774
Why Choose Oral ID Screening?
Benefits of using Oral ID for detecting oral and oropharyngeal cancers include:
- Detecting red and white patches and lesions
- Compatibility with digital photography
- Exposes early signs of cancer
- Detects issues not visible under white light
- FDA approved
- Allows for evaluation post treatment
- Increases survival chances by finding cancer in its early stages
- Painless and quick examination
Performing an Oral ID Examination
Oral ID examination is a quick 2 – 3 minute exam that is a painless and non-invasive method of detecting oral or oropharyngeal cancer. There are several symptoms that might go ignored during a self-oral cancer screening. Dr. David Wilhite DDS performs a visual examination of your mouth as per the guidelines established by the American Dental Association.
You are required to wear special eyewear before using the Oral ID wand to look for abnormal cells or growth inside your mouth. Lesions and other abnormal areas pop up under the specialized light. The doctor may take a biopsy from the inner cheek or the affected area if signs of oral cancer are detected. The biopsy report will indicate the next course of action or the need for scheduling further screening tests.
Oral ID Cancer Screening Device
The office of David Wilhite is now offering you effective oral cancer screening using the Oral ID device.
The Oral ID device is a specialized light using the newest technology to shine in the mouth and can detect oral cancer or an abnormality. This new device can detect potential cancer sooner than a standard examination by a doctor could see it in your mouth using normal examining room lights.
Why is Oral Screening Test Required?
The goal of screening tests is to find cancer cells or precancerous lesions at an early stage. People at a higher risk of developing oral cancers may particularly benefit from regular screenings. These are a few factors that increase the risk of oral cancer:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- History of high sun exposure
- Previous diagnosis of cancer risk
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the primary risk factors for developing mouth cancer
Why we recommend this procedure
We find ourselves asking the question, “what is our protocol for detecting and monitoring suspicious, potentially dangerous lesions in the oral mucosa?” The American Dental Association has set the mandatory protocol for detecting oral lesions as an annual health history review with a visual and tactile examination.
While Dr. Wilhite has been screening for oral cancer at yearly exam visits for over 20 years now, there has always been a question of whether it would be detected early enough.
It has also been questioned, is once a year enough since oral cancer can grow at a rapid rate?
With advancements in technology, we now have the ability to “bring light” to abnormalities at much earlier stages utilizing fluorescence.
Fluorescence technology can assist in discovering abnormal lesions that may not be visible with white light. Identifying more than just cancer, fluorescence technology allows us to discover increased metabolic activity which can result from a palatal burn to a cheek bite to a squamous cell carcinoma.
So how do we decipher between the burn and bite, to anything more severe? This is where our OralID Cancer Screening Light and Dr Wilhite step in for the examination.
Using this light we can now find cancer early enough to make a difference. Before, if Dr. Wilhite found a suspicious area it could already be at stage III or stage IV.
We recommend this screening every 6 months at your regular dental exam visit. While anyone can get cancer at any age, we do advise patients from the age of 17 and up take advantage of this life-saving exam.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Early diagnosis makes treatment for oral cancer easier and more effective. You should consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. David Wilhite DDS immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Lumps inside the mouth, lips, or gums
- Sores that don’t heal inside the mouth
- Patches on the tongue, gums, or inner lining
- Bleeding, numbness, or pain in the mouth or lip
- Loosening of dentures or teeth
- Swollen jaw
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
There are several benefits to including Oral ID as part of your regular dental check ups.
Schedule Your Oral ID Screening Today
Thousands of American lives can be saved each year with early detection of mouth cancer as per the American Cancer Society. Oral ID at the office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS is a simple process, and we invite you to come in for an annual screening. Cancer treatment has a higher success rate when an abnormal area is detected early.
For more information and to set up an appointment: contact us online or call (972) 964-3774
Oral ID Cancer Screening Testimonials
Read the testimonials of people whose lives have been changed by our Oral Cancer Screening
Shine Light.
Save Lives.™
OralID’s fluorescence technology uses a blue light (435–460 nm) that provides the clinician an aid in visualization of oral cancer, pre-cancer and other abnormal lesions.
I LOVE my dentist!! “Get screened!”.
– Brandi
Say “No Thanks!” to Expensive Patient Costs
OralID is a battery-operated, hand-held oral examination light used as an adjunctive device for oral mucosal screening.
I just did my Oral Cancer Screening.
– Kim
No Rinses, No Dyes, No More Excuses.
Provides the clinician an aid in visualization of oral cancer, pre-cancer and other abnormal lesions.
The screening is so easy and it is good to walk out knowing you were checked for something that could be so scary. Thanks Dr. Wilhite!!
– Julie
Love Dr. Wilhite and his staff.
– Megan
I’m so glad Dr. Wilhite does Oral Cancer Screening.
– Margi
Thanks for this exam Dr. Wilhite.
– Gary
Easiest cancer screening I have ever had. Thanks Dr. Wilhite for taking good care of me.
– Stephanie
Easiest Cancer Screening ever!!! Thanks Dr. Wilhite
– Shari
What a great exam!! Thanks Dr. Wilhite for caring about your patients and screening us for Oral Cancer.
– Cathy
What a wonderful thing my dental office is doing!! Thanks Dr. Wilhite for caring so much.
– Janelle
I trust Dr. Wilhite to recommend proper diagnostics and defer to his good judgment regarding the Oral ID procedure.
– Pam
Thanks to Dr. Wilhite, I know I don’t have oral cancer.
– Henry
Happy I was checked for Oral Cancer!!
– Nolan
I am so glad my dentist does the cancer test. It was fast and easy.
– Dorota
I was glad to hear that my Dentist was able to provide this service. It is something that I really did not know about. I appreciate this being brought to my attention. Thank you Dr. Wilhite and staff.
– Vanessa
I like the way Dr. Wilhite keeps up with the latest technology. Thank you Dr. Wilhite for my Oral cancer Screening.
– David
Such a quick and painless test that could catch a disease early on!!!!
– Alex
Save a life, check yourself!!!!!!!
– Sonia
Love my dentist!!!! Thanks for offering the latest in oral cancer screening.
– Ron
Love my dentist!!!! Thanks for offering the latest in oral cancer screening.
– Ron
This was so easy and now I feel good having it done. Everyone should be checked.
– Tammy
Get your cancer screening today…. easy and no hassle!!
– Tom
This is a lifesaver test. Thank you Dr. Wilhite for bringing this to your practice.
– Jennifer
This is such a good thing for Dr. Wilhite to do!!!
– Ray
This test/exam is quick and painless. Don’t put it off.
– Warren
Thank you Dr. Wilhite
– Priya
Thanks for adding this exam to what you already do for us.
– Dawn
It is good to know I am cancer free.
– Sharon
Two minutes to create peace of mind.
– Jessica
So worth it!!!!
– Hailey
– Deborah
had to come back for a 2-week check. Dr. Wilhite
cleared me. I am so grateful for this test and Dr. Wilhite.
– Paula
What a great office and how thorough to test for
oral cancer. I am so happy to know that my oral health is great!!
– Mary
This is an easy and quick test for oral cancer. I am proud that my dental office offers this.
– Lucille
Thanks Dr. Wilhite for this life saving test you offer in your practice.
– Mike
It’s simple…it’s painless…it’s priceless!!!!
– Cheryl
Easy, quick and painless check to assure I am maintaining good oral health.
– Michael
2 minutes can save your life!!!
–John
Easiest 2 minutes spent to protect my health and potentially save my life!!!
–Suzanne
I want to be proactive in my health care.
–Mary
This quick test can give such piece of mind. Thanks, Dr. Wilhite for such thorough exams.
–Brian
About Oral ID
OralID uses a proven, optically based technology called, “fluorescence technology.”
The Oral ID’s fluorescence technology uses a blue light (435–460 nm) that provides the examining doctor an aid in visualization of oral cancer, pre-cancer, and other abnormal lesions.
Oral ID is simple and easy to use, with no rinses or disposable items required, creating an exam that is both simpler and more affordable.
OralID™ is manufactured by Forward Science, a company that was founded with the vision to create a simpler, efficient, and more affordable oral cancer screening device that can save more lives.
About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects more than 200,000 Americans every year. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Symptoms include a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump, or a white or red patch on the inside of the mouth. People may experience pain in the ear, mouth, the face, or while swallowing.