VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening

Experience Early Detection with VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening at Preston Dental Loft in Cary, NC

At Preston Dental Loft in Cary, NC, your health is our priority. That’s why we offer the VELscope® oral cancer screening—a powerful tool that aids in the early detection of oral cancer, often before symptoms become visible to the naked eye. Led by the compassionate and highly skilled Dr. Meenal Patel, our team uses this cutting-edge technology to ensure our patients receive the most painless oral screening possible.

Oral cancer screening in Cary, NC isn’t just a routine check—it’s a crucial step toward safeguarding your overall health. With VELscope® technology, we go beyond traditional exams to detect subtle tissue abnormalities and oral lesions that could indicate precancerous or cancerous changes.

Why Choose VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening in Cary?

A Commitment to Prevention and Early Intervention

VELscope oral cancer screening in Cary, NC is one of the most effective tools available for identifying changes in oral tissues. The Advanced VELscope exam is quick, safe, and non-invasive, making it an ideal addition to your regular dental check-up. Dr. Meenal Patel and her team believe that early detection of oral cancer can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes—and potentially save lives.

A Dental Office That Prioritizes Your Wellness

At Preston Dental Loft, your care is delivered in a calming, spa-like environment where advanced technology meets compassionate service. From the moment you walk in, our team is focused on ensuring your comfort while delivering the highest standard of preventive dental care. Our oral cancer screening services in Cary, NC are designed to be as painless and thorough as possible, ensuring you leave with peace of mind.

How VELscope® Technology Detects Early Oral Cancer

What is VELscope and How Does It Work?

How does VELscope detect oral cancer? The VELscope® device uses a safe blue light to enhance the visualization of mucosal tissues inside the mouth. Under this light, healthy tissues fluoresce in a distinct pattern, while abnormal tissues—such as oral lesions or early cancer indicators—appear darker. This contrast helps Dr. Meenal Patel quickly identify areas of concern that may not be visible under normal lighting conditions.

Benefits of the Advanced VELscope Exam

  • Quick (takes less than 2 minutes)
  • Non-invasive and painless
  • No dyes or stains required
  • Improves detection of abnormal tissue
  • Reduces need for invasive biopsies

VELscope’s ability to highlight potentially cancerous changes early makes it an essential tool in our practice.

Is Oral Cancer Screening Necessary?

Why Routine Screening Matters

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Early stages often have no visible symptoms, making professional screenings essential. Oral cancer screening in Cary, NC—especially using advanced tools like VELscope®—can help detect issues long before they become life-threatening.

Patients often ask, “Is oral cancer screening necessary if I don’t smoke?” The answer is yes. While tobacco and alcohol are risk factors, HPV (human papillomavirus) is now a leading cause of oral cancers in younger populations who may not have any traditional risk factors. That’s why we recommend annual oral cancer screenings for all adults.

Dr. Meenal Patel: Your Advocate for Preventive Oral Health

Expertise Backed by Compassion

With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Meenal Patel brings years of experience and a passion for wellness to every appointment. She believes that oral cancer screening isn’t just a diagnostic tool—it’s a vital aspect of overall healthcare. Her goal is to provide Cary, NC residents with the highest level of preventive dentistry, including VELscope® oral screenings that can save lives.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

While the VELscope® exam is designed to detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, it’s still important to recognize warning signs, including:

  • Persistent mouth sores
  • Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheek
  • Lumps or thickening of the tissue
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical to book an oral cancer screening in Cary, NC as soon as possible.

VELscope vs. Traditional Visual Screening: A Clear Advantage

The Future of Oral Cancer Detection Is Here

Traditional screenings rely solely on the visual and tactile inspection of the mouth. While this method has value, it can miss sub-surface abnormalities that are not visible. VELscope® oral cancer screening uses fluorescence visualization to reveal hidden tissue changes, making it far more effective at early lesion detection.

Who Should Get a VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening?

Recommended for Adults of All Ages

Everyone over the age of 18 should consider routine oral cancer screenings. However, we especially recommend VELscope® screenings in Cary for patients who:

  • Use tobacco or alcohol
  • Have a history of HPV
  • Have a family history of cancer
  • Experience chronic mouth irritations
  • Want peace of mind with their dental exams

Our Step-by-Step Oral Cancer Screening Process

At Preston Dental Loft, our process is designed to be fast, stress-free, and effective:

  1. Visual Exam – Dr. Patel examines your mouth, throat, and neck for visible signs.
  2. VELscope® Scan – A safe blue light is used to evaluate your oral tissues.
  3. Evaluation & Results – Any abnormal areas are assessed for further diagnosis.
  4. Referral If Needed – If something suspicious is detected, we guide you to the appropriate specialists for further testing.

You’ll walk out empowered with information and confidence about your oral health.

The Role of VELscope® in Holistic Dentistry

At Preston Dental Loft, we practice a holistic approach to dental care, meaning we view your oral health as part of your entire systemic well-being. VELscope® oral cancer screening in Cary, NC aligns with this philosophy by allowing us to catch problems early before they affect other areas of the body. Dr. Meenal Patel integrates this screening into your regular check-ups to ensure your mouth is not only clean and healthy but also cancer-free.

VELscope® Screening During Routine Dental Visits

One of the greatest benefits of VELscope® technology is how easily it integrates into your routine visits. Without adding significant time to your appointment, Dr. Meenal Patel can perform a comprehensive oral lesion detection exam. This advanced tool helps us maintain your health without any additional effort or discomfort on your part—making it an effortless yet essential part of your care plan.

What to Expect During Your First VELscope® Exam

If it’s your first time experiencing a VELscope oral cancer screening in Cary, NC, rest assured the process is simple and stress-free. During the exam, Dr. Meenal Patel will darken the room and shine the blue light from the VELscope® device into your mouth. There’s no pain, no radiation, and no dyes. The entire scan takes about two minutes and helps us spot any potential issues early.

Helping High-Risk Patients with Targeted Care

Some patients are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, including those who smoke, use alcohol heavily, have a family history of cancer, or are infected with HPV. For these individuals, routine oral cancer screening Cary NC appointments with VELscope® are vital. We create customized screening schedules for our high-risk patients to ensure continuous monitoring and timely intervention.

VELscope® for Peace of Mind

Even if you have no symptoms or known risk factors, there’s no downside to receiving VELscope oral cancer screening in Cary, NC. Patients frequently tell us that they appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’ve taken a proactive step in protecting their health. With oral cancer being so silent in its early stages, the added security of painless oral screening is invaluable.

VELscope® is Safe for All Ages

Unlike some diagnostic tools that require special preparation or are limited to certain age groups, VELscope® is safe for nearly everyone. Whether you’re 20 or 70, the Advanced VELscope exam is gentle, fast, and free from side effects. Parents can even feel confident adding this to their college-age children’s dental checkups to ensure early detection of oral cancer as they enter adulthood.

Boosting Detection Rates in the Dental Community

Studies have shown that adding VELscope® oral cancer screening to visual inspections significantly increases detection rates of premalignant and malignant lesions. That’s why Dr. Meenal Patel is proud to bring this technology to Cary, NC, helping raise the standard of care for our community. As more dental providers adopt this tool, we expect to see improved survival rates and better patient outcomes.

A Modern Tool for a Modern Dental Practice

Preston Dental Loft is known for offering modern, spa-like dental care in a relaxing environment. Introducing VELscope® oral cancer screening is just one example of how we blend comfort with innovation. From digital X-rays to intraoral cameras and now VELscope technology, our practice stays on the leading edge to give our patients the best care possible in Cary, NC.

Cost of VELscope® Screening: An Investment in Your Health

Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that VELscope® exams are affordable and often covered or partially reimbursed by dental insurance providers. Even when not covered, the cost is minimal—especially when compared to the financial and emotional burden of treating cancer discovered at a later stage. Oral cancer screening in Cary, NC is one of the most cost-effective preventive services we offer.

VELscope® is Just the Beginning of Prevention

While VELscope® oral cancer screening is a powerful diagnostic tool, it’s just one piece of the comprehensive preventive care puzzle at Preston Dental Loft. Pair your VELscope screening with regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene education to keep your smile and body in optimal health. Explore our Preventive Dental Services to see how Dr. Meenal Patel supports your lifelong oral wellness.

VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening for Cary, NC Residents

Choosing the right dental provider matters. At Preston Dental Loft, our advanced technology, modern environment, and expert team led by Dr. Meenal Patel provide Cary residents with state-of-the-art oral care. Our Dental VELscope Cary services are a testament to our commitment to your health and safety.

Patient Testimonials: Real Stories, Real Impact

“I had no idea anything was wrong, but during my routine exam, Dr. Patel found an unusual area using the VELscope. It turned out to be pre-cancerous. I’m so grateful she caught it early.”
 — Mark S., Cary, NC

“The screening was fast and painless. I feel so much better knowing I’m being proactive about my health.”
 — Linda M., Apex, NC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is VELscope® and how does it detect oral cancer?

VELscope® is an advanced, non-invasive device that uses a safe blue light to illuminate your oral tissues. Healthy tissues fluoresce under this light, while abnormal tissues—such as those with precancerous or cancerous changes—appear darker. This allows Dr. Meenal Patel to detect areas of concern that may not be visible during a standard visual exam.

Yes. Oral cancer often develops without obvious symptoms, especially in its early stages. VELscope oral cancer screening in Cary, NC can detect subtle tissue changes before they become dangerous. Annual screenings are recommended for all adults, regardless of risk factors or symptoms.

Not at all. The Advanced VELscope exam is completely painless, requires no dyes or rinses, and takes just a couple of minutes. There is no preparation needed—just show up for your regular dental appointment, and Dr. Meenal Patel will incorporate the screening into your visit.

We recommend annual VELscope® oral cancer screenings for most patients. However, if you have risk factors—like tobacco or alcohol use, HPV, or a family history of cancer—Dr. Patel may suggest more frequent screenings to monitor your oral health closely.

Some insurance plans cover oral cancer screening in Cary, NC, especially if you have risk factors or a family history. Our front desk team at Preston Dental Loft will help you check your coverage. Even without insurance, the exam is affordable and a valuable investment in your long-term health.

Book Your Screening Appointment Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take control of your oral health with VELscope® oral cancer screening in Cary, NC. Dr. Meenal Patel and the Preston Dental Loft team are ready to provide you with compassionate, preventive care in a relaxing environment.

✅ Call us today or book online to schedule your Advanced VELscope Exam!

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140 Preston Executive Dr Suite 200 • Cary, NC 27513

(919) 467-6111

‍Monday9 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday9 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday9 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday9 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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