| Dental X-Ray FAQ |
Q: How do dental X-rays work?
A: As X-rays pass through your mouth they are partially absorbed by hard teeth and bone. The X-rays then strike the radiographic film and an image of the teeth and bone is created. Hidden abnormalities such as tooth decay, infections, and bone loss are revealed on the radiograph.
Q: Can't you just take an X-ray if you see something?
A: Chances are, by the time we can see it visually, it's too late for the simple fix. Far better to find the problem when it's small and simple to correct.
Q: How often should X-rays be taken?
A: New patients in our office generally start with a full-mouth series of radiographs. Then four "bitewings" annually, substituting the full-mouth series in the appropriate year. Frequency is mitigated by risk factors, signs and symptoms of disease, medical conditions, etc. This guideline strikes a conservative balance between cumulative radiation exposure risk and valuable preventive diagnostic information.
Q: How do dental X-rays compare to other sources of radiation?
A: The amount of radiation to which we are exposed by dental X-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from other sources like cosmic and environmental. Let's compare exposure:
*Four bitewing X-rays: 0.038 mSv
*Full-mouth series: 0.150 mSv
*Medical chest X-ray: 0.080 mSv
*1 year background radiation: 3.510 mSv
The millisievert (mSv) is a unit used to measure radiation dose. It attempts to reflect biological effects of radiation as opposed to physical which uses a different scale.
Q:I'm pregnant, are dental radiographs safe for my baby?
A:Generally, we prefer to avoid x-rays during pregnancy. However, untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the baby so an X-ray may be needed if treatment can't wait until after the baby is born.
Do you have a question about X-rays?
-Dr. Jake Layer
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| *Radiation dose data from the American Dental Association
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| Happy Spring…… Cleaning!
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Trees are getting their leaves back and flowers are starting to bloom; it must be spring! With spring comes – you guessed it – spring cleaning! Wahoo! In the midst of taking those old clothes to charity or setting up those garage sales, don't forget your toothbrush! I'm NOT saying you should donate it though (except maybe to the nearest garbage can). Studies show that the majority of Americans replace their toothbrushes every 9 months, while only 9% replace them regularly. I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "change your toothbrush every three months", but have you been told WHY that's important?
Like everything in life, toothbrushes wear out. A new toothbrush has clean bristles with rounded edges and, when used properly, can gently sweep away plaque, bacteria and food debris without causing damage to the teeth or gums. Older toothbrushes, however, often have broken, frayed and sometimes sharp edges making them less effective at removing plaque and likely to cause gum damage. Also, aging toothbrushes harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungus. I won't tell you what the Mythbusters found on their toothbrush experiment! Yuck!
Don't fret though; you can retire your old toothbrushes to other jobs like scouring tile grout, staking up a new plant, cleaning jewelry, or combing eyebrows and removing clumps of mascara.
So there ya go. For the sake of your smile, change your toothbrush every season. Good luck with those garage sales and Happy Spring!
- Jocelyn Codington RDH |
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| FREE Oral Cancer Screening Event in April |
Though you may not remember it, each time you are seen in our office for a checkup, we perform an oral cancer screening. In fact we're so convinced that everyone should get screened that we're giving them away... FOR FREE!
Our office has partnered with The Oral Cancer Foundation (www.oralcancerfoundation.org) to offer free oral cancer screenings to the public during the entire month of April. An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and non-invasive. All you have to do is call our office for an appointment.
If you know someone who could benefit from this event, tell them about this free event or just forward this newsletter! You might just save the life of someone you love.
- Dr. Layer and Team
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| Click here or visit our website for more information
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