Dental Imaging and Your Safety at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center

You may have heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Nothing could be more accurate about radiographic imaging, specifically dental radiographic imaging. Many patients are apprehensive about having radiographs taken. However, the benefits of having dental radiographs taken for preventive and treatment purposes cannot be understated.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of dental radiographs, why they are used, and the safety measures our office has put in place to protect our patients.

Why Patients Fear Radiation and Radiographic Imaging:

The use of radiation can contribute to patient fears about the need for dental radiographs. Early radiation exploration may have lacked sufficient safety measures, leading to higher radiation exposure. Historical events surrounding the misuse of radiation and the harmful effects of overexposure have also made patients apprehensive despite advancements in the field of radiology and its benefits. As a result, patients developed concerns about the potential health risks associated with dental radiographs.

Furthermore, misconceptions and lack of information about radiation and its use may have exacerbated patients’ fears. Concerns about the long-term effects of radiation exposure and its implications for overall health have contributed to patient anxiety when undergoing dental radiographs.

Lack of awareness creates fear in individuals. Radiation is beneficial for medical and dental diagnostic evaluation—but how?

Why is Radiation Needed in Dentistry?

Dental radiation is needed to detect conditions and diseases in our patients. Dentists can evaluate issues they can see visually in the oral cavity, but those issues can present very differently when looking below the surface on a radiograph.

Confirmation of diseases and conditions for our patients would be impossible without dental radiographic imaging. It helps dentists detect issues such as cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental abnormalities. The most common types of dental radiographs include bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and cephalometric X-rays. Dental offices have recently had access to 3D CT units, which show dental diseases present in 3-dimensions.

Safety Measures and Regulations Surrounding the Use of Radiation:

Dental radiation is a valuable tool for diagnosis, but it is important to note that radiation in any amount is not considered safe. The dentist and their staff are responsible for recognizing the potential risks associated with radiation exposure and ensuring the safety of the patient.

A widely adopted concept used by many dental offices is the “ALARA” concept, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. ALARA is a strategy for dental staff to prescribe, prepare, expose, and process dental images with the highest standards of safety in mind and the lowest amount of radiation needed to achieve the desired results.

Dental offices use the guidelines for prescribing dental radiographs issued by the American Dental Association (ADA) to help govern patient radiation exposure in their office. These guidelines outline the frequency of dental images taken on adults, children and pregnant patients.

Technological advancements have also helped reduce the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to. Modern dental radiation units are designed to emit minimal radiation levels. State regulatory agencies monitor them to ensure registered X-ray units are in safe working order and that radiation exposure levels remain safe.

Dentists and staff take precautions to minimize radiation exposure by placing lead aprons and thyroid collars on our patients to shield internal organs from unnecessary radiation exposure. When exposing a dental radiograph, the goal is only to capture the area of interest (the teeth), not other areas of the body. Therefore, exposing any additional body parts to radiation except those intended to be evaluated is not beneficial.

Digital imaging emits the lowest potential amount of radiation and is an ideal choice for dental radiographs. Many dental offices have invested in digital imaging to benefit their patients. Compared to traditional film-based X-rays, digital imaging reduces patient exposure to radiation by over half.

Your state-of-the-art office at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center strictly utilizes digital imaging for our patients. However, some circumstances require advanced imaging, so we use a 3D CT unit to ensure the best diagnosis and outcome.

Radiation Health and Safety Training and Credentialing:

One of the most essential components of our radiation safety program at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center is our highly trained and educated staff members. All dental staff who expose dental images must be educated in radiation safety.

This education includes understanding how to screen our patients for their radiographic needs, managing radiation exposure settings, and modeling exemplary techniques in placing and exposing radiographs to prevent the need for retakes. These exceptional staff members are also trained to answer your questions regarding dental radiographs and put you at ease every step of the way.

Our dental office requires staff members who expose radiographs on patients to obtain their Radiation Health and Safety certification following state regulations.

Conclusion:

Radiation exposure in any form can be unsettling for patients in a dental office. Fortunately, advancements in the field have helped minimize radiation exposure, regulate dental radiographic equipment, and certify those exposing patients to dental radiation.

Trust your vigilant and caring dental office in Bonham, Texas, as we will offer only the best for our patients in care, safety and scientific advancements. Call us today for an appointment!