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ADA Dental x-rays important to detect and treat oral health problems
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:02 AM |
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ADA: Dental x-rays important to detect and treat oral health problems
The ADA urges patients to continue to see their dentist regularly and to talk
with their dentist about the importance of X-rays and what standard safety
precautions are used in the dental office.
While a recent study suggests that yearly or more frequent X-rays may
increase the risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain
tumor, the ADA reiterates its professional opinion that dentists
should order X-rays when necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Since many oral diseases cannot be detected by just a visual or physical
examination X-rays are a valuable preventive tool to help dentists detect oral
health problems early. X-rays provide information about a patients’ oral health,
such as early-stage cavities, gum disease, infections or some types of tumors.
How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient’s oral health
condition, age, risk for disease and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that
the patient might be experiencing.
It is important to note that this latest study relied on patients’ memories
of having X-rays taken years earlier. Studies of this type have shown that the
ability to accurately recall information is often difficult. Therefore, the
results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are
affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”
Further, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental
X-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater. Radiation rates were
higher in the past due to the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed form.
The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety.
Patient Safety
The ADA recommends the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars on all
patients. In addition, the ADA recommends that dentists use E or F speed film,
the two fastest film speeds available, or a digital X-ray.
Patients are encouraged to talk to their dentist if they have questions about
their dental treatment. As a science-based organization, the ADA fully supports
continuing research that helps dentists deliver high-quality oral health care
safely and effectively.
The Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Since many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when
your dentist examines your mouth, an X-ray can help reveal:
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