We’re proud to offer our patients Identafi®, a unique, state-of-the-art oral cancer screening technology.
Call 919-985-7300 to schedule an appointment today.
Deadly – and strangely silent in our society – Oral Cancer is growing at an alarming rate – over 11% in 2007 in the United States alone. Oral Cancer has a higher five-year mortality rate compared to cervical and prostate cancer. It causes one death every hour, every day.
More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer than ever before. However, studies reveal that this rise is not caused by the usual dangers of alcohol consumption, smoking, or chewing tobacco. Oral cancer is now found in younger men and women because they are exposed to the HPV virus. (Human Papillomavirus).
One reason for this increase in people under age 40 is due to exposure to the HPV-16 and HPV-18 viruses, known collectively as the human papillomavirus. The HPV virus can spread by intimate contact, including kissing. The CDC suggests that everyone 17 and older should get checked for oral cancer every year.
In its earliest stages, most oral cancer is virtually undetectable by just looking. And when oral cancer begins, it may not always produce pain or discomfort. In other words, it is possible to have oral cancer or pre-cancer without even knowing it.
That is why it is important for everyone to be screened for oral cancer at least once per year. However, if you notice a change in your mouth or throat, such as a sore, or red or white spot that lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should contact us immediately.
The naked eye often misses mouth cancer symptoms, especially in its early stages. The Identafi® uses a revolutionary light-wave technology that can help clinicians detect abnormalities that may lead to oral cancer so that something can be done about it as soon as possible. Early detection means early mouth cancer treatment and a cure rate of nearly 90%.
Our dentists are on the front line of detection with a revolutionary new medical device called Identafi® that uses multi-spectral technology to identify biochemical and morphological changes in the cells of your mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils. These changes are subtle, as they happen at the cellular level, and therefore often go undetected by the naked eye. These changes are made visible through the use of Identafi®’s unique three-wavelength technology, which illuminates possible areas of change that may signal the occurrence or early beginnings of oral cancer.
The test is simple, painless, and takes less than 3 minutes. Identafi® with its Identafi® technology allows those on the front line of detection to do just that – identify biochemical and morphological changes in cells of the mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils.
You should also consider an oral cancer screening if you are showing any throat cancer symptoms.
Using the Identafi® in the “White Light” mode, we will first examine your entire oral cavity. The upper portion of the mouth and inner contour of the teeth are examined first, followed by the lower portion of the mouth.
The tongue, hard and soft palate, and the pharynx are then examined. Next, the instrument is switched to the patented 405-nanometer “Fluorescent Violet Light” to identify any areas of abnormal tissue growth, which may be benign or cancerous. Finally, the instrument is switched to “Green-Amber Reflectance Light” to examine the blood vessels around the lesions. Areas with increased diffuse vasculature are more likely to be cancerous.
The detection is made through the processing of optical fluorescence and reflectance in certain body tissues. The Identafi® core technologies are based on high-speed, high-resolution capabilities from its patented optical processing technology and include the ability to identify metabolic and physiologic differences in diseased and healthy tissue in the human body. This proprietary technology allows us to screen and diagnose cancers and pre-cancers. Call us now to schedule your oral cancer screening.
Most practices in Raleigh don't offer this state-of-the-art technology.
Complimentary first visit screening to prove we value your health.
Get an oral cancer screening every year. One person dies every hour of oral cancer!
“Friendly and skilled staff and Dentists. They know what they’re doing and they do it professionally. You won’t be disappointed.”
Jim R.
“Simply outstanding staff and personal service! State-of-the-art facility and efficient customer service. Professional staff is superb in both knowledge, ability, and dental options available to patients. Complete dental health plans are provided, surpassing even the highest expectations. And the staff is just a joy! If you want the best Raleigh has to offer, you need Crabtree Valley Dental.”
Pat F.
“I loved the beautiful and relaxing environment, friendliness of the staff, and the time they took to explain the care I was given and would be receiving. They made what many consider an unpleasant experience as lovely as possible. I especially liked that they took very clear, enlarged photos of the teeth that needed care. It helped me to objectively see the damage and not have to just trust their opinion. By far the best dentist visit I've ever had.”
Rachel D.
