Dental_X-Rays__Benefits_vs._Risks

10/22/09 Dental X-Rays: Benefits vs. Risks What are the benefits of a dental radiograph examination' Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal: • small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations • infections in the bone • periodontal disease • abscesses or cysts • developmental abnormalities • some types of tumors Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. It can reveal things not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life. We share patients concern about x-rays and take every precaution to minimize exposure. Every patient is draped with a lead radiation apron and thyroid collar before any x-ray is taken. Only the highest speed films are used. Radiation is minimized because less time is required to expose the film. What if I'm pregnant and need a dental radiograph examination' A radiograph may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breast feeding. How much has dental x radiation been studied and how concerned should I be about having dental x rays done' Is there a limit on how many I can have' The amount of radiation from dental x rays is among the lowest radiation dose exam of any diagnostic radiologic procedure. The amount from a full-mouth series of intraoral films (usually 18-20 films) is less than what a person receives in a month from environmental background exposure. The amount of radiation from bitewing or panoramic films are even less. New technology is reducing the doses still further. There is no limit on how many dental x rays you can have. The decision to have a dental x ray is based on the benefit of knowing whether or not there is a cavity, crack, or some other abnormality. The decision to have them is based on what you and your dentist think. Is there residual radiation in a room after a dental radiograph has been taken' X rays cease to exist when the machine is switched off, much like the light from a light bulb when it is turned off. No residual radiation remains. The table below is from the American Dental Association and compares the amount of radiation received from dental x-rays to other medical and natural sources.  As you can see, it would take 20 full series of x rays to equal the amount of radiation the average citizen picks up from background sources each year: Dental radiographs exposure Dental radiographs exposure: Bitewings (4 films) 0.038 mSV Full-mouth series (about 19 films) 0.150 mSV Panorex (panoramic jaw film) 0.019 mSV Medical radiographs exposure: Lower GI series 4.060 mSV Upper GI series 2.440 mSV Chest 0.080 mSV Average radiation per person from outer space In Denver, CO (per year) 0.510 mSV Single airplane flight, coast to coast 0.04 mSV Average radiation per person in the U.S. from Natural sources (per year) 3.000 mSV Sources: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/xrays_faq.asp#3 http://www.qualitydentistry.com/newsletter/main/x_rays/index.html http://www.hps.org/publicinformation/ate/faqs/dentalpatientissuesq&a.html http://www.doctorspiller.com/Dental%20_X-Rays.htm