Our routine screenings are anything but ordinary … to support early detection of oral cancer, sustained health
Strongsville Smile Keepers partners with you to keep your (and your family members’) teeth and gums looking their healthy best! Led by Dr. Matt Gaebelein, our team in Strongsville, Ohio, is also on the “front line” when it comes to the prevention, detection, and management of many problems that go beyond the aesthetics and healthy function of the smile.
Regular dental “check-ups” are not complete without screening for oral cancer. Our approach to screening is not “routine” or “ordinary” and supports the accurate identification of abnormalities that require immediate intervention.
Life-saving early detection
Other dental offices in Brunswick, Brecksville, North Royalton, Brook Park, Parma Heights, Middleburg Heights, Parma, and greater northern Ohio may approach these essential oral screenings in the “routine” way. During the regular check-up, they visually inspect for symptoms of pre-malignant dysplasia (pre-cancerous lesions) and malignant tumors. During this inspection, they also “palpate,” or examine by touch, for abnormalities of the oral cavity, face, head, and neck. Red flags include:
- Droopy facial tissues
- Thick, white patches (leukoplakia)lumpy areas inside of the mouth
- Swelling
- Lip sores
- Red growths or patches
Of course, Dr. Gaebelein applies his know-how and experience to inspect visually and by touch, too. He will also speak with you about any changes since your last visit. These changes, also potential red flags for cancer, range from problems with swallowing to persistent hoarseness, sore throats, and frequent earaches. Strongsville Smile Keepers also goes above and beyond with state-of-the-art diagnostics.
Benefit from VELscope® technology
Technologies like the VELscope® are a fine complement to our team’s considerable knowledge and training. A non-invasive and painless system, VELscope® illuminates abnormal tissues. These tissue anomalies would be missed through “standard means” (i.e., by only evaluating with the naked eye or earlier-generation diagnostics).
Dr. Gaebelein simply directs a handheld device toward areas inside of your mouth. A unique twist on tools that merely reflect light to aid in examining tissues, the VELscope® uses blue light technology to painlessly and efficiently activate fluorophore molecules in the deeper layers of tissue. Light is also emitted at longer wavelengths. The fluorescence process results in green, yellow, and red shades of light, which stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding areas of the mouth.
In turn, our team can clearly identify cellular, structural, and metabolic changes. Such activity or changes frequently correlate with conditions that may be present in the tissues. When detected and treated early into the disease process, before the cancer has spread, oral and pharyngeal tumors have a good prognosis.
For the sustained health of your smile and the “whole you,” call without delay to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gaebelein. Our office in Strongsville, OH, can be reached at (440) 508-4080.