Why We Love the Oral ID (and Why You Should, Too)

Taking care of the smile is more than just brushing, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. It is also paying close attention to changes in the smile that may be indicative of trouble. One task often overlooked by dentists in the area is that of oral cancer screenings. Mira Mesa area dentist, Dr. James P. Tasto of Scripps West Dental, believes in providing oral cancer screening as part of a patient’s routine six-month evaluations. Because the survival rate of patients diagnosed with oral cancer relies heavily on early detection, we utilize the most advanced technologies to ensure that we can catch the early indications that cancer is present. This includes the use of the Oral ID device from Forward Science.

What is the Oral ID?

The Oral ID, created by the company Forward Science, is a specialized, technologically advanced oral cancer screening device used by Dr. James P. Tasto of Scripps West Dental. Using fluorescent technology, this device is designed to make areas of concern that might be indicative of cancer light up and easier to spot. The use of a 435-460 nm blue light can aid visualization of abnormalities that may be precancerous—or cancerous. This same fluorescent technology is used in other areas of medicine with reliable results. Healthy tissues in the mouth will glow green, while abnormalities will not. This ensures these tissues are easy to spot and evaluate further with a dental professional.

What happens during an oral cancer screening?

Screening at Scripps West Dental is quick and easy and is always part of a patient’s routine oral hygiene cleaning and evaluation. The Oral ID device is a small, battery-operated device that appears as a tiny flashlight. The dentist will use specialized glasses, which allows him to see the areas of concern that might require further testing. In many situations where certain tissues are not responding to the fluorescent light, a biopsy may be taken. The biopsy is a small sample of the abnormal tissue that is sent off for further testing to look for cancerous cells. If a biopsy comes back as positive for oral cancer, Dr. James P. Tasto will connect with the patient and speak to them about their options for treatment. Early detection is critical to getting patients to the right professional for treatment, and to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or becoming more severe.

Who do I see for the treatment of oral cancer?

If oral cancer is found, our team at Scripps West Dental will refer the patient to an oncologist in the Mira Mesa community who can provide treatment. Treatment will vary, depending on various factors, but may include surgical removal, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Why choose Scripps West Dental?

Your oral health and wellness is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring patients catch problems such as oral cancer in the earliest stages for the best results. We provide oral cancer screening at every routine appointment, as it is important to us that we take a proactive approach to keeping the smile healthy.

Are you ready to work with a dentist near you that offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools?

Improving your oral health with the help of Dr. James P. Tasto and his team at Scripps West Dental in San Diego, CA is easy with routine hygiene appointments and the latest technology to provide the best possible care. The office is located at 9420 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D, and can be reached by phone to request an appointment at (858) 695-1776. With the assistance of our team and proper oral hygiene habits at home, everyone in your household can have a beautiful, healthy smile—for life!