New dental device detects cancer

Buffalo Dental Group, a cosmetic and family dental practice in Williamsville, has incorporated the VELscope System into its dental practice.

The VELscope System, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was developed by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and Vancouver based LED Dental Inc. It is a revolutionary, hand-held device that provides the dentists and hygienists with a new tool to aid in the early detection of oral cancer.

The VELscope examination is a noninvasive, painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. The dentist shines a blue light into the mouth to cause it to fluoresce. This fluorescence helps the dentist visualize abnormal tissue, which may be or may lead to oral cancer.

More than 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually in the United States. With a mortality rate of more than 50 percent at five years, one person every hour of every day dies of oral cancer in America. If detected early, however, oral cancer is 90 percent survivable.

Buffalo Dental Group will be offering this service at its Williamsville location, 5845 Main St.

For more information regarding the VELscope System, visit www.velscope.com or call Buffalo Dental Group at 634-1234, with questions or to schedule an appointment. They can also be reached by e-mail at BuffaloDentalGroup@adel phia.net.