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How often should dentist take X-rays?Dear Dr Reitz: I have been reading articles concerning the safety of routine dental X-rays. During my last dental visit I asked my dentist only to take X-rays if he sees a problem, but he insisted they be taken every two years. Are routine X-rays necessary, and is there anything I can do to minimize the radiation? - Mike Dear Mike: Many of my patients share your concern about the safety of dental x-rays. If your definition of routine is a set of customary and often mechanically performed procedures, then I would say that no medical or dental test should be done routinely. Every dentist is aware of the health risk from too much ionizing radiation, however there is no better way to search for problems between the teeth and under the gums than to use a dental X-ray. Just as your physician uses a blood test to screen for pathology, a dentist uses X-rays to find hidden problems. Now that I have told you that dental X-rays are very important, how often they should be taken varies for individuals. Some mouths are more prone to dental disease and require more vigilance. Before determining the frequency for taking dental X-rays the risk factors must be considered. If you have old fillings of poor quality, a high sugar diet, family dental problems, teeth with developmental defects or demineralization, a dry mouth, an eating disorder, alcohol abuse, a history of dental decay or a diagnosis of gum disease it may be necessary to have X-rays taken every six months. If you visit the dentist regularly and rarely have tooth decay, it may only be necessary to have X-rays taken every 36 months. Once your dentist determines your individual risk factors, he/she should discuss the appropriate frequency for taking dental X-rays. To minimize your exposure to radiation the American Dental Association recommends your dentist follow the ALARA Principle (as low as reasonably achievable). This includes using the fastest dental film that is still diagnostic, and using leaded aprons and thyroid collars. Digital x-rays have also provided a slight reduction in the necessary radiation; however, that benefit does increase the cost of equipment. When proper guidelines are followed, your body receives negligible radiation below the neck, however there is some evidence that radiation to the thyroid gland during pregnancy can cause low birth weight. For this reason, it is recommended that thyroid collars and aprons be worn whenever possible, especially for children and women of childbearing age. In your effort to remain dentally healthy the proper use of dental X-rays is an important tool. The column is written by John Reitz, DDS, and does not represent the opinion of the Pennsylvania State Dental Board. Dr Reitz answers questions from readers. E-mail them via his Web site at reitzdds.com or mail to John Reitz, DDS, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA 19610 John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
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