In yesterday’s email update from EDA, I found this interesting info. Thought I’d pass it along to our patients!
We are proud members of the EDA! To read more, go to the Eco Dentistry Association’s website
What are the benefits of digital x-rays? How often should my doctor take images?
Digital images are an important part of early detection. Diagnosing tooth decay, periodontal disease, or structural issues early means treatment can be less invasive and less costly. Frequency of digital imaging can vary, but “bitewing” images every six months and “full mouth x-rays” at a first exam and then every 5 years is a good standard of care.
Traditional x-rays result in significant waste and pollution.
They also expose the patient to higher levels of radiation. We are exposed to natural levels of radiation every day, but in the US, the average American’s annual dose of radiation has grown six-fold, as we use it to try to detect disease at its earliest stages. High doses of radiation can be toxic and are linked to cancer. With good reason, many patients are questioning the over-usage of medical x-rays, including dental x-rays.
Digital dental radiographs (x-rays) expose patients to 70-90% less radiation exposure than traditional dental x-rays.
You would have to take 20,000 digital dental x-rays to equal the radiation in one conventional mammogram, and you would have to take 100,000 digital dental x-rays to reach what is considered a maximum safe yearly dose of radiation. Flying round-trip coast-to-coast exposes you to 80x the radiation of a set of bitewing digital images.
In some cases, your dental professional will recommend a CBCT scan, which produces a three-dimensional image of the skull. These should be taken infrequently and only when diagnostically necessary. In many cases, a panoramic digital image is sufficient. CBCT scans may be used by an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice when other forms of imaging have been screened and a more complex level of diagnostics is involved.
In the case of implants, wisdom teeth removal, trauma, orthognathic surgery, a CBCT scan is often recommended and appropriate, and may improve the treatment outcome. Some CBCT scanning equipment will allow the dental professional to choose settings that lower radiation levels, and employ a pulse technology that produces less radiation than a continuous beam. The professional is also able to limit the area of radiation exposure to the specific area of interest.
When having any dental images taken, your provider should use a drape that blocks any radiation from your torso and neck. Many of these drapes contain lead, but new, equally effective models lead-free.
Dr. Maria is a Restorative Dentist in Brighton, MA. She holds a B.A. in Zoology from Miami University, and received her DMD from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. She has a passion for her career, and is a third generation dentist in her family.