Protect Yourself against the Threat of Oral Cancer in Norman, OK with VELscope

September 27, 2013

Over time, patients often become familiar with several kinds of conditions and injuries that can negatively affect their dental health, from TMJ disorder to gum disease to even simple cavities. But have you ever stopped and wondered whether you might have oral cancer? While this condition isn’t discussed too often, the numbers surrounding it are staggering – this year, tens of thousands of people will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and half of them won’t survive longer than five years. This is because oral cancer isn’t often detected until its latest, most dangerous stage. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen provides VELscope at his Norman, OK office! This revolutionary device can discover signs of oral cancer and potentially rescue patients from the diseases’ ill effects early on.

The way VELscope works is simple – it’s a fluorescence-based identification system that can detect tissue abnormalities. Dr. Carmen will use the device while also visually inspecting your smile, using the special light to illuminate any cells that show signs of abnormality when compared to the surrounding normal tissue.

Our team strongly recommends that all adults undergo an exam with VELscope every year. While most patients who contract oral cancer smoke and/or drink heavily, nearly 25% don’t participate in any risk factors whatsoever, which is a compelling reason to ensure that your mouth is healthy and cancer-free on a regular basis.

If you’re concerned about oral cancer, it’s all right to relax as long as you’re attending regular check-ups with VELscope – while the disease is dangerous, it had an 80-90% cure rate when caught in its earliest stages. Contact our Norman office today to set up your next appointment! Dr. Carmen can’t wait to leave your smile happier and healthier. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Guard Your Smile against Oral Cancer with Help from Dr. Carmen

April 26, 2013

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Here in Norman, OK, we’re constantly surprised to find that many of our patients aren’t familiar with this destructive disease. Oral cancer kills one American every hour, and only around half of those diagnosed with it will go on to survive more than five years. Even worse, while most cases are found in people who excessively use tobacco and/or alcohol, nearly a fourth of patients with oral cancer never participated in any risk factors whatsoever. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff take this threat very seriously; that’s why we thoroughly inspect your mouth for any signs of the disease every time you’re in our office. However, if you find yourself unable to come in to see us for a significant period of time, here are some common signs of oral cancer you can check for at home:

  • A sore that bleeds easily and doesn’t show signs of healing.
  • A sudden color change of the oral tissue.
  • A lump, thickening, or crust inside the mouth
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips

Of course, it’s important to remember that Dr. Carmen should be your first line of defense against all oral health diseases, including oral cancer. By scheduling regular check-ups for you and your family, you’ll give our team the perfect opportunity to keep an eye out for suspicious areas and treat them accordingly. At our Norman office, we have several techniques available to detect the presence of oral cancer, including brush biopsies, scalpel biopsies, and VELscope.

Contact our practice today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Carmen! Our team will be sure to keep your teeth happy and healthy with a variety of services and procedures. In addition to Norman, we also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over Central Oklahoma.