Oral ID
Dr. Harris performs a thorough oral cancer screening every year using a tool called OralID. This is a fluorescent light that can help to detect early changes in the tissue that can be of concern in oral cancer. Oral cancer is on the rise so our office takes this very seriously.
It is easy to use and non-threatening to patients. Dentists and hygienists can use OralID to increase the efficacy of oral exams without incurring additional per-patient costs. One needs only to wipe it down between uses with a disinfecting wipe. OralID is battery operated, which means it can be used in multiple operatories.
OralID is a battery-operated, hand-held oral examination light used as an adjunctive device for oral mucosal screening. The device emits a visible blue light (435–460 nm) that one shines directly into the oral cavity.
OralID is shipped with the necessary eyewear to use the device. Wearing the special OralID eyewear enchances the visual effects of the blue light during the oral exam. When the blue light from OralID shines on healthy oral tissue, it fluoresces green. However, when it shines on abnormal tissue, it appears dark due to a lack of fluorescence.
OralID comes with two pairs of eyewear: one fitted pair and one that fits over eyeglasses. The clinician and the assistant may each wear a pair during the examination. However, if desired, the patient may wear a pair of the eyeglasses, but it is not necessary to do so for safety purposes.
Oral CDx
If there are any areas in the mouth detected by the OralID or visually that Dr. Harris wants to further evaluate we have a comfortable test that we can do in office call the OralCDx.
Even though the “BrushTest” is used in your mouth it has nothing to do with teeth. The OralCDx BrushTest is a virtually painless way for a dentist or physician to test common oral spots (subtle red or white spots) that may appear in your mouth from time to time. The special brush has tiny bristles that collect cells as the tool is applied and rotated on the oral spot. It can be used anywhere in the mouth.
Once the cells have been collected, the specimen is sent to CDx Diagnostics. It’s the only lab in the world that can process the sample. World class pathologists using sophisticated computer technology help doctors determine the cause of the common oral spot while making sure that the abnormality is not precancer or cancer. OralCDx can also help the clinician decide if a scalpel biopsy is necessary to investigate the area further.
For more information visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org
