ADULT ORTHODONTICS
Brushing and flossing are the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine, but mouthwash can also be a useful addition...
SELECTING DENTAL PRODUCTS
The toothbrush has come a long way. As the American Dental Association (ADA) notes...
Less Radiation for Safer X-Rays
Cone-Beam CT: 3-D Images, More Radiation
The benefits of X-rays are well known: They help dentists diagnose common problems such as cavities, gum disease and some types of infections. X-rays allow dentists to see inside a tooth and beneath the gums. Without them, more disease would go unchecked. Treatment would begin later. As a result, people would have more pain and lose more teeth.
The X-rays used in dental and medical offices emit extremely small doses of radiation. However, cells can be damaged by many small doses that add up over time. That's why experts say that X-rays should be used with caution and only when necessary.
Several changes have reduced radiation exposure in dental X-rays through the years:
Current guidelines say X-rays should be given only when needed to diagnose a suspected problem. As a patient, you can help increase X-ray safety. Talk to your dentist about how often you or your children need X-rays and why.
In recent years, some dentists have begun using cone-beam computed tomography (CT). These machines produce three-dimensional images of the teeth and jaw bones. Cone-beam CT exposes patients to more radiation than a standard full-mouth series of X-rays or a panoramic X-ray. Therefore, cone-beam CT should be used only where it provides a clear advantage over standard X-rays.
For selecting and placing implants, cone-beam CT is appropriate. But it is not needed for diagnosing cavities or periodontal disease. Standard X-rays also are fine for most orthodontic cases. Cone-beam CT can be useful in complex cases, however, to assist with treatment planning.
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