Study links dental x-rays to non-cancerous tumors - AmericaNowNews.com

Study links dental x-rays to non-cancerous tumors

A new study says dental x-rays can double brain tumor risk. It sounds frightening, but researchers say don't over react.

The lead lined aprons you wear in the dentist's chair limit the amount of radiation you're exposed to during a x-ray. Dr. Tom Foster says guidelines from the American Dental Association also protect patients. 

Foster says, "In our office we do it once a year unless we see there's an additional problem."

Foster's responding to a study suggesting a possible link between frequent x-rays and non-cancerous brain tumors. The research focused largely on patients who'd had old style film x-rays in the past. 

According to Foster, that's not exactly current because "Most dentists now have gone to a digital type x-ray which don't use film at all. It's simply a sensor that picks up the x-ray beam..."

It's faster, so there's less radiation exposure. The study did include panoramic x-rays. Still, Foster believes current guidelines are sufficient to protect patients.  He says "If you follow the protocol and it's not overdone, it's very safe."

According to the ADA, only people with serious dental problems need more than one x-ray a year. Patients who've never had a cavity and no other issues, can get by with one, every two or three years.

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