X-rays and Brain Tumors Headline Misleading

Patients should consider factors in wake of new research. Study suggests people who had certain kinds of dental X-rays in the past may be at an increased risk for the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor in the U.S.

The latest dental related headline may be jarring to patients. The results of a new study suggest x-rays could be more harmful than once thought. The findings cannot prove that radiation from the imaging caused the tumors, and the results are based on people who were likely exposed to higher levels of radiation during dental x-rays than most are today."It's likely that the exposure association we're seeing here is past exposure, and past exposure levels were much higher," said Dr. Elizabeth Claus, the study's lead author and a professor at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

A typical bitewing x-ray. Bitewings are necessary x-rays
to make sure your dentist can make
informed diagnoses.

A panographic x-ray is most often taken while standing.These are helpful for intensive cases and determiningthe development of wisdom teeth.

Here at Mary T. Dooley, DDS, we use digital x-rays, which require less exposure. With panoramic x-rays, we can treat wisdom teeth proactively, to prevent possible life-threatening infections. Every person is evaluated individually as to the frequency and type of x-rays they need to prevent infection and tooth loss. We follow the guidelines accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA), including the use of blankets to reduce exposure to other parts of the body. 

The American Dental Association put out a statement noting that the interviews relied on participants' memories of how often they had different types of X-rays years earlier. The statement added, "The ADA's long-standing position is that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1989, the ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable."

Portions of this article were taken from Reuters news service. Click here to read the full article.