Dental X-rays are Safe

Dental X-rays are very valuable tools which help dentists detect and treat oral health problems at an early stage.  There are many oral health problems that cannot be detected by doing only a visual examination.  Dental X-rays can show early stage cavities, gum disease, infection at the root of a tooth and some types of tumors.  Recently however, some news reports have questioned the safety dental X rays, suggesting that they can lead to a type of brain tumor called a meningioma.

The American Dental Association (ADA), reviewed this study and found that the participants were required to remember dates of dental X-rays that had been taken years earlier.   Studies have shown that the ability to recall such information is often imperfect, thus making the results unreliable.  The study also points out that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago, when X-ray technology produced higher levels of radiation and patients were exposed for a longer time due to the slower speed of the film.

Despite this study, the American Dental Association maintains that dentists should continue to use dental X-rays when necessary for diagnosing and treating the patient. The ADA strives to provide guidelines for dentists to ensure that radiation exposure is as low as possible, and recommends that dentists use precautions against radiation such as protective aprons, thyroid collars, and fast X-ray processes like E or F speed films or digital X-rays. At Clearwater Dental Associates, we have been using digital X-ray technology since 2006.

It is always important to discuss procedures with your dentist before any dental procedure, including dental X-rays.  They will help you understand what is going to happen, and why getting an X-ray is the best decision for your teeth at the time.