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Story Exposes Risky Radiation Levels at the Dentist
An article in The New York Times yesterday exposed a scary phenomenon taking place at the dentist office — unregulated and scientifically misunderstood doses of radiation being delivered to patients through routine scans. Kids are particularly at risk a because they are more sensitive to radiation.
Most dentists continue to use clunky old school X-ray machines that use slow “D-speed film” requiring higher doses of radiation (the Times reports 60 percent more radiation than higher speed films). Even though the F.D.A. has been recommending switching to higher speed films or using digital X-rays, the majority of dentists offices stick to the old method.
But the article actually focuses its reporting on a newer, more advanced technology that is rising in popularity, even though the radiation doses to our kids could be off the charts.
The cone-beam CT scanner, which produces 3-D images, has become a popular tool for dentists of all specialities, because it’s fast and gives a brilliant, detailed, comprehensive look inside the mouth.
It also can deliver anywhere from 4 to 67 times as much radiation as a conventional scan, a radiation researcher told the Times. His findings were published last year in the British Journal of Radiology.
The machines are highly profitable for both manufacturers and dentists. And from the Times report, there is a ring of misinformation around their sale and promotion.
For example, the Journal of the American Dental Association, had an entire issue devoted to the cone-beam technology, in which the health risks and radiation exposure were minimized. The journal issue was underwritten by Imaging Sciences International — a cone-beam manufacturer.
The benefits of the technology aren’t clear, say researchers. And why up the risk, especially for kids, who may be exposed repeatedly, especially if they routinely see a specialist.
Have you or your child been to the dentist lately — did you have a traditional scan or get 3-D images? If so, did the doctor talk about risks and radiation?
Image: flickr/emrank
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[...] to radiation. Risks for Kids From Radiation Exposure Through Dental Scans | Strollerder, by heatherturgeon on November 23rd, 2010 An article in The New York Times yesterday exposed a scary phenomenon taking [...]
Radiation risks for kids in old, and in new, dental scans « nuclear-news commented on Nov 24 10 at 3:24 am[...] new machine is called a cone-beam CT scanner. It’s popular because it’s fast and gives a very impressive, colorful 3D picture of the [...]
Children Still Facing Radiation Risk at Dentist | Top Legal News commented on Dec 01 10 at 11:06 pmALittleShort commented on Nov 23 10 at 2:02 pmOMG. I’m so tired of hearing about radiation this and radiation that. I have had so many x-rays in my lifetime I couldn’t even begin to count and most were chest x-rays, and I have also had plenty of dental x-rays and I have no issues. And most the x-rays i got were when I was a child. So….lets just drop it people.
IrishCream commented on Nov 23 10 at 3:24 pmSure, we’ve all been exposed to plenty of radiation… and many cancer rates have risen over the past few decades. Just because it hasn’t killed you yet doesn’t mean it won’t eventually!
ALittleShort commented on Nov 23 10 at 3:39 pmNo IrishCream…I’m pretty sure its the congenital heart defect that I have been living with my entire life that will be what kills me. But thanks for adding that.
Laure68 commented on Nov 23 10 at 4:57 pm@IrishCream – actually, overall the rate of people getting cancer has gone down. There are some cancers that are going up, but more that are going down.
Mistress_Scorpio commented on Nov 23 10 at 6:31 pmIf it was gamma radiation, I’d be all for it. Having a little Hulk around the house would be useful.
IrishCream commented on Nov 23 10 at 8:45 pm@Short: I am sorry about your medical condition, but my point remains the same. You can’t make sweeping statements about public health based on a sample size of one.
Manjari commented on Nov 24 10 at 9:54 amSo what kind of x-ray should kids get? High speed traditional x-rays, or digital x-rays, right? I am looking for a pediatric dentist now, so this is relevant for me.
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