Oral Cancer Screenings in Falls Church, VA
Early Detection Saves Lives — Get Screened with VELscope Technology
At Westphalia Dental Implant Center Falls Church, we take your health seriously — and that includes more than just your teeth. Our oral cancer screenings are a vital part of your preventive care. Using advanced VELscope technology, we can detect early warning signs of oral cancer that are invisible to the naked eye — all in just a few minutes during your routine exam.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Oral cancer is often painless and difficult to detect in its early stages, which is why regular screenings are so important — especially if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV, or a family history of cancer.
The good news: when detected early, oral cancer has a much higher survival rate and can often be treated with minimal intervention.
We perform screenings during every dental exam and cleaning, offering peace of mind and proactive care for patients across Falls Church, Annandale, and Arlington.
What Is VELscope?
VELscope is a handheld device that uses a safe, blue-spectrum light to highlight abnormal tissue changes that aren’t visible under normal lighting. It helps us identify areas of concern earlier — before they become dangerous.
Benefits of VELscope Screening:
- Fast, painless, and non-invasive
- Detects tissue changes beneath the surface
- Enhances early detection of oral lesions
- Performed chairside in under 2 minutes
VELscope enhances what we can see during your visual exam, giving us (and you) greater confidence in your screening.
Who Should Be Screened for Oral Cancer?
Everyone can benefit from regular oral cancer screenings — but certain groups are at higher risk and may need more frequent monitoring.
Higher-risk patients include:
- Adults 40+
- Tobacco or vape users
- Heavy alcohol consumers
- Patients with HPV
- Individuals with a family history of cancer
Whether you live in Seven Corners or commute from Merrifield, your screening is included as part of your routine dental exam — no special appointment necessary.
What Happens During the Screening?
The screening is simple and stress-free:
- We perform a visual inspection of your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat
- Then, we use the VELscope light to scan for abnormal tissue changes
- If we notice anything unusual, we’ll discuss next steps — which may include a follow-up, biopsy referral, or monitoring
Most screenings show no cause for concern, but the few minutes it takes can make all the difference when early detection is key.
A Proactive Approach to Your Health
Oral cancer screening is just one part of our comprehensive, people-first dental care. We focus on whole-body wellness, not just fixing teeth.
As part of your preventive visit, you’ll also benefit from:
- Thorough dental cleanings
- Optional fluoride treatments
- Personalized nutritional counseling to support your oral and overall health
- A warm, respectful atmosphere that puts your comfort first
We welcome patients from Falls Church, Arlington, Annandale, and surrounding areas who want more than just routine dental care — they want care that sees the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
We perform an oral cancer screening at every routine exam — typically every six months — unless more frequent monitoring is needed based on your risk factors.
Is VELscope safe?
Yes, VELscope uses a harmless, non-UV blue light to enhance visibility of tissue changes. It’s completely safe and adds no discomfort to your screening.
Does the screening hurt?
Not at all. It’s a painless and non-invasive process that takes only a few minutes during your regular checkup.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
If we detect abnormal tissue, we’ll discuss next steps, which may include re-evaluation at a future visit or a referral to a specialist for a biopsy. Early detection greatly increases treatment success.
Is the screening covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings as part of preventive care. If not, we offer affordable out-of-pocket rates and include it in our Smile Savings Plan.
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Prioritize Your Health Today — Book a Screening
You deserve more than just clean teeth — you deserve comprehensive, compassionate care. If it’s been over six months since your last screening, now’s the time.