I am sure that many of you have either seen or heard the latest news coverage of a research study that scrutinized dental film x-rays and their link to brain tumors.  Rather than using the older film x-rays, I can personally assure you the both Dr. Theisen and I elect to utilize digital x-rays when we clinically feel they are necessary.  With the latest advancements in digital imaging, our patients can experience up to 90% less radiation.  Your health has been and always will be our primary concern and our job is to partner with you in promoting a positive, long-term, healthy prognosis.  Digital x-rays help us maintain those results. They are a much safer alternative to traditional film based x-rays.

The American Dental Association came out with a statement regarding this study and believes that the results are unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”  The results were based on the individual’s memories of having dental x-rays taken years earlier.  Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is imperfect and acknowledged that some of the subjects within the study received dental x-rays decades ago.  Understanding how technology has evolved and advanced only reinforces the notion that x-rays received decades ago, which utilized older imaging technology, had greater radiation exposure.  The ADA does encourage further research on this subject.

The speed at which an x-ray is taken is an important factor.  Traditional radiography captured images utilizing slower speed film.  The recommendation from the American Dental Association is to use E or F speed film, which are the fastest film speeds available.  These recommendations are for film x-rays.  Digital x-rays use computerized technology and software to capture x-ray images of your mouth that can be viewed immediately.  Because the digital x-ray exposure time is shorter than taking conventional x-rays, the amount of x-ray radiation is reduced by 90%.  Beyond converting to the latest technology in capturing digital films, we also use protective aprons in an effort to minimize radiation exposure shielding both the abdomen and the thyroid.  In addition, digital x-rays are a healthier environmental alternative as it eliminates the need for caustic chemicals in the office.  They provide more diagnostic information that enables us to identify problem areas earlier.  Dental disease may develop in the absence of clinical symptoms, therefore, dental x-rays are of utmost importance in detecting disease.  They help us detect decay between the teeth or below existing fillings, infections in the bone, periodontal (gum) disease, wisdom teeth, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, and some types of tumors.

We have promised to educate you about the preventative and restorative side of dentistry to help maintain your smile year after year and we cannot deliver that promise without the latest technology available to us today.  Digital x-rays become an integral part in helping us achieve the most accurate diagnosis, which will ultimately lead to the healthy lifestyle we intend for you to lead.

Lisa Henson, DMD