Re: [AlwaysLearning] Dental X-rays
Alan & Brenda Leonard
5/6/03 12:53:
are, does it? The dentist can't change it, and when the teeth come in,
you'll know if they are crooked or problematic or whatever!
brenda
> This way they can compareHer big teeth are, they are where they ARE! It doesn't matter where they
> things if ther eis an issue, and also to see where her big teeth are...
are, does it? The dentist can't change it, and when the teeth come in,
you'll know if they are crooked or problematic or whatever!
brenda
Dan Vilter
Am I missing something? Beside the cost, What is the down side to a modern
dental X-ray?
I guess it is like anything, you weigh the costs and the benefits. Life is a
risky endeavor and it seems to me, the dentist helps make it a more
comfortable, enjoyable journey.
As I understand,
Benefits:
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for assessing your (or your
child's) oral health. They give your dentist detailed information about
possible gum, bone and tooth diseases, as well as seeing those hidden
cavities between the teeth. This seems like a wealth of information for a
small amount of radiation. And I mean small.
Radiation:
A full set of dental X-rays, from 12 to 18 images from any machine made
after about 1966, (doses could have been massively higher before this time)
gives a radiation dose equal to environmental exposure of about a typical
day outdoors. These are the full set used for baseline comparisons,
typically given every 3-5 years. The four bitewing images that are
recommended every year or two are a fraction of that. The statistics say
that a set of bitewings will trigger a cancer or other abnormality every one
to ten million. You can't beat these odds getting up from your computer
chair.
I hear of concerns about Hypothyroidism. These claims seem to stem from
radiation doses magnitudes higher than the present day machines. I can't
find any solid evidence or tested studies of these claims.
None of this supercedes finding a dentist (or any healthcare professional)
that you can talk to openly and honestly who will listen to your concerns
and develop a long term relationship with. If you can't talk honestly to
someone who will listen, keep looking.
I have seen pictures of my ancestors and their teeth. It would be very
difficult to convince me that regular check ups and cleanings are not a
beneficial thing, helping me reach an enjoyable and comfortable old age.
-Dan Vilter
dental X-ray?
I guess it is like anything, you weigh the costs and the benefits. Life is a
risky endeavor and it seems to me, the dentist helps make it a more
comfortable, enjoyable journey.
As I understand,
Benefits:
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for assessing your (or your
child's) oral health. They give your dentist detailed information about
possible gum, bone and tooth diseases, as well as seeing those hidden
cavities between the teeth. This seems like a wealth of information for a
small amount of radiation. And I mean small.
Radiation:
A full set of dental X-rays, from 12 to 18 images from any machine made
after about 1966, (doses could have been massively higher before this time)
gives a radiation dose equal to environmental exposure of about a typical
day outdoors. These are the full set used for baseline comparisons,
typically given every 3-5 years. The four bitewing images that are
recommended every year or two are a fraction of that. The statistics say
that a set of bitewings will trigger a cancer or other abnormality every one
to ten million. You can't beat these odds getting up from your computer
chair.
I hear of concerns about Hypothyroidism. These claims seem to stem from
radiation doses magnitudes higher than the present day machines. I can't
find any solid evidence or tested studies of these claims.
None of this supercedes finding a dentist (or any healthcare professional)
that you can talk to openly and honestly who will listen to your concerns
and develop a long term relationship with. If you can't talk honestly to
someone who will listen, keep looking.
I have seen pictures of my ancestors and their teeth. It would be very
difficult to convince me that regular check ups and cleanings are not a
beneficial thing, helping me reach an enjoyable and comfortable old age.
-Dan Vilter