Choose Facts Over Fear
While Dr. Mehmet Oz is a featured health expert, advice from a guest on dental X-rays may cause undue fear of a much needed dental diagnostic tool and definitely sparked some controversy in the dental community. The show discussed thyroid cancer, and cited “harmful effects of radiation from sources like dental X-rays and mammograms.” Dr. Oz rightfully recommended the precautionary use of a thyroid color and lead apron while getting dental X-rays or mammograms. One of Dr. Oz’s guests on the program, Dr. Carolyn Runowicz, a gynecological cancer specialist, said she would not get dental X-rays if the only reason was to check her teeth. Many dentists, including some of our DEXIS owners, expressed surprise and concern at this statement, since dental radiography’s primary function is to diagnose and treat dental issues that cannot be seen by visual inspection. Most agree that waiting until a condition gets bad enough to be painful can be unsafe and, in some cases, more expensive.
New York Times Personal Health columnist Jane E. Brody acknowledges in her article entitled “Thyroid Fears Aside, That X-ray’s Worth It” that people are easily frightened about possible cancer risks. Her article points out that this controversy could pose hazards to dental health. Brody writes, “Don’t let irrational fear get the better of you: It is simply not possible to detect all dental decay without X-rays, and missing hidden decay could result in the need for a root canal or extraction of the tooth.”
Brody adds that for dental checkups, “Find a dentist who uses digital X-rays, which deliver much less radiation.” She quotes Washington, DC-based thyroid cancer specialist Dr. Leonard Wartofsky who notes, “We’ve said for years that the amount of radiation from dental X-rays is not enough to cause cancer.”
While digital X-ray is recommended here, the DEXIS Platinum sensor goes a step further: It allows clinicians to consistently capture highly diagnostic images at the lowest range of radiation exposure. With DEXIS, dentists have another tool to help meet their ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) goals.
While Dr. Oz has good intentions of protecting his viewers from unnecessary radiation, in this case, the results of not allowing a dentist to use an X-ray for proper diagnosis may become an unhealthy decision for the patient. We welcome your comments on this ongoing debate.
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