Recent Study Questions Safety of Dental X-rays

Contact Information:

Telephone: 312-440-2806
E-mail: mediarelations@ada.org (Journalists) or Contact ADA (All Others)

CHICAGO, April 10, 2012 —The American Dental Association (ADA) is aware of a recent study that associates yearly or more frequent dental X-rays to an increased risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor. The ADA’s long-standing position is that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1989, the ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable.

The ADA has reviewed the study and notes that the results rely on the individuals’ memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier. Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is often imperfect. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”   Also, 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 film.  The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety.

As part of the ADA’s recommendations to minimize radiation exposure, the ADA encourages the use of abdominal shielding (e.g., 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.

In addition to the X-ray recommendations, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs will publish clinical guidance on the use of cone-beam computed tomography in an upcoming issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association. The ADA will share these recommendations as soon as they are available.

Dental X-rays are valuable in helping dentists detect and treat oral health problems at an early stage. Many oral diseases can’t be detected on the basis of a visual and physical examination alone, and dental X-rays are valuable in providing information about a patient’s oral health such as early-stage cavities, gum diseases, 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.

The ADA encourages patients to talk to their dentists 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.

Additional information about dental x-rays is available on ADA.org.

About the American Dental Association

Insurance protects you in the case of RARE, CATASTROPHIC events.  If your house burns down, your homeowner’s insurance will pay to replace it.  If you break both your legs skiing, medical insurance will cover a large portion of your costs.  If you fall and break your two front teeth, will dental “insurance” protect you? NOPE!

Dental Benefits pay for REGULAR, ROUTINE events.  They typically cover cleanings, exams, and x-rays usually at 80-100%.  When Dental Benefit plans were first introduced in the 1960′s they had annual maximums around $1500.00  Fast forward 50 years, and the annual maximum of most plans is still $1500.00.  One badly broken tooth will cost more than that.

Are Dental Benefits a good thing? Absolutely!  They allow many people to regularly see the dentist and get routine care .  Insurance may help out with a few fillings or a single crown.  If you need a bridge or an implant you are probably over your yearly maximum.  If your employer provides dental benefits, consider yourself lucky, but remember you are not “insured” for anything except routine care.

Your dental team is here to help educate and guide you, and to provide the best care for your teeth and gums.  Your insurance company is there to earn a profit for their shareholders.  Our recommendation, especially for smaller employers or individuals, is to consider direct reimbursement plans, or dental membership plans like QDP.  These plans are simple, tax free, give employees better options, and save money.

If you have any questions regarding direct reimbursement, or QDP, please contact us at our Sedro-Woolley office 360-856-6358 or Bellingham office 360-738-9791

The holiday season is all about giving. We at CE Family Dental are doing our part by tying jingle bells to our shoelaces (and pooches collars) and raising funds for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.

Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability? It affects more than 50 million Americans including over 300,000 children – yes kids get arthritis too.  Arthritis is much more than just aches and pains.

For many, it significantly impacts their ability to complete simple tasks like dressing themselves or even walking.

Please join us in helping the Arthritis Foundation conquer this painful, debilitating disease.  You can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message, If you prefer, you can send us a tax-deductible contribution made out to the Arthritis Foundation.  Any amount you can give will help!

Or, you can show your holiday spirit and join us at the starting line:)

Sincerely,

Olivia Collier the CE Family Dental Team!

http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=484550&msource=FriendFamily

http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=484550&supId=344720968&msource=FriendFamily

I recently had a patient tell me, “Did you know that fluoride is outlawed in Europe?” I actually laughed out loud, knowing for a fact that no country in the world has banned water fluoridation.  In many European countries, the large number of separate water sources makes centralized water fluoridation impractical.  Many of these countries use salt fluoridation as an alternative.

It did get me thinking though —why do people seem to think EUROPEAN = BETTER?

David Hassellhoff is considered a musical genius in Germany…

Jerry Lewis is a national hero in France…

And wouldn’t everyone love to have British teeth?

Just my thoughts…Dr. Jon

And just what are my thoughts -  Maybe some things European are better…

Dr Olivia