Robert Beckelman DMD PLLC Introduces Oral Cancer Screening for Early Detection at Valley Stream, NY Dental Office

Valley Stream, NY (PRWEB) May 14, 2013

Dr. Robert Beckelman recently introduced a new oral cancer screening procedure at his Valley Stream, NY dental office that is helping patients detect this condition earlier than ever possible with a simple in-office test. More than 8,000 people die each year from oral cancer, however if caught early enough, it is one of the most curable forms of cancer. This new procedure offered by Dr. Beckelman allows patients the best chance at survival if diagnosed with the disease.

More than 30,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with some form of throat or oral cancer each year, and unbeknownst to many, this disease has a higher death rate than many other cancers including skin cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer, amongst others. Oral cancer screenings during dental visits is one of the most effective ways to combat this disease.

My entire treatment philosophy is based on prevention, said Dr. Robert Beckelman of Valley Stream, NY. Education is a life-long endeavor, and I am dedicated to learning the most current ways to help my patience achieve optimal dental health. Introducing this new oral cancer screening is a big part of that commitment.

The Identifi oral cancer screening system uses multi-spectral technology to identify morphological and biological changes in the mouth, tonsils, tongue and throat that can be indicative of oral cancer. These signs are often missed by the naked eye, which is why new screening technology is so vital for diagnosis. The Identifi screening is non-invasive, and is a simple oral instrument that uses white light to inspect the mouth. If lesions are found, fluorescent and amber light is used to determine if they are cancerous. This procedure can easily be done in conjunction with regular dental exams.

In addition to his emphasis on preventative dentistry, Dr. Robert Beckman and his staff in Valley Stream, NY are also highly experienced in restorative dentistry and orthodontics, treatments for TMJ disorder, sleep apnea and neuromuscular dentistry. Patient reviews of Dr. Beckelman and his staff are outstanding, and report high satisfaction with the level of care and comfort they receive during each visit.

Dr. Beckelman completed his dental education at Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He completed his dental residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, nearby his home town of North Woodmere. Dr. Beckelman is an established member of the Dental Society of the State of New York, the American Dental Association, and the Long Island Seattle Study Group.

For more information about the Identifi oral cancer screening, or to read reviews of Robert Beckelman DMD PLLC, please visit http://www.drbeckelman.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAk_OW4tk78

Tariq Drabu Welcomes New Study into Mercury Screening Tests

(PRWEB) April 20, 2013

Leading Manchester dentist Tariq Drabu, the owner of Langley Dental Practice in Middleton Manchester today welcomed the findings of new recent research which indicates that a common test used to determine mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings may significantly overestimate the amount of the toxic metal released from fillings. It is acknowledged that dental amalgam fillings over time slowly release mercury vapour into the mouth. What remains in dispute is the amount of mercury released and also the question of whether this exposure presents a significant health risk. Public health studies often make the assumption that mercury in urine (which is composed mostly of inorganic mercury) can be used to estimate exposure to mercury vapour from amalgam fillings.

Tariq Drabu continued that these same studies often use mercury in hair (which is composed mostly of organic mercury) to estimate exposure to organic mercury from a person's diet. But a University of Michigan study that measured mercury isotopes in the hair and urine from 12 Michigan dentists found that their urine contained a mix of mercury from two sources: the consumption of fish containing organic mercury and inorganic mercury vapour from the dentists' own amalgam fillings. The study findings can be found here.

Commenting on the findings Tariq Drabu said this study casts doubt on the fact that all mercury urine is derived from vapour from dental amalgam. If you extrapolate the results it has serious implications for looking at the health risks of mercury vapour derived from dental amalgam. Regular common tests may overestimate exposure to mercury amalgam fillings. As dentists we are involved with the use of mercury in dental amalgam fillings but mercury has wide uses in other spheres of life for example thermometers, energy-saving light bulbs and uses in the mining, cement and coal-fired power sectors".

Tariq Drabu continued "We work with mercury in a highly controlled and structured manner within rigorous safety guidelines. This study demonstrates that mercury isotopes can be used to more accurately assess human exposure to the metaland the related health risksthan traditional measurements of mercury concentrations in hair and urine samples. Specifically, isotopes provide a novel chemical tracer that can be used to "fingerprint" both organic mercury from fish and inorganic mercury vapour from dental amalgams.

Tariq Drabu went on to say this study comes just a couple of months after the Minamata Convention the mercury treaty that will be adopted later this year in Japan. It is named in memory of the victims of mercury poisoning from industrial pollution that occurred when residents of the Minamata Bay ingested contaminated fish and shellfish in the 1950s. The treaty will require nations to phase down the use of mercury containing dental amalgam fillings over an appropriate time period relevant to each countrys national requirements. There was a widespread worry amongst the dental profession in the UK that the treaty would call for the total withdrawal of dental amalgam fillings over a short timeframe. In the end lobbying from various organisations including the British Dental Association proved to be persuasive against this approach. It was argued that more time was needed for oral health prevention programmes to be implemented and produce effects, and also time was needed for suitable alternative dental filling materials to be developed.

Commenting on the dental position in the UK Tariq Drabu said Within our current National Health Service structure dental amalgam is and continues to be the most cost effective material to use for our patients. This applies to many other countries in the world where the cost of alternative filling materials that are not mercury based is prohibitively expensive and cannot be justified. Pulling the plug on dental amalgam in an abrupt and dogmatic way would be very destabilising for patient care and I am glad that the UN Treaty does not seek to do this. They have taken a very pragmatic and sensible view. A steady move away from dental amalgam fillings is dependent on good, cost effective, evidence based materials being brought forward.

Concluding his thoughts Tariq Drabu said As dentists we always seek to put the health, safety and well-being of patients above all else. We also have to look at our own health and well being. We use dental amalgam under strict conditions of safety and support the progressive phase down over an agreed time frame. Regular and accurate monitoring is important and it is vital that this monitoring is a true reflection of the concentrations of mercury within the body rather than just assuming that it is all derived from dental amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam is a cost effective and proven material and until viable cost effective alternatives are developed it will remain the material of choice within our health care systems.

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