Alex K Chen Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 So I'm in the Boston area, and I'd really like to find a dentist who can do cleanings without doing x-rays. I've called a number of dentists, and all of them require x-rays. Is there a way to find one that doesn't do them? With x-rays, it's not just cancer that's a concern. It's also general DNA/protein damage that can accumulate over time. While many argue that the total dose is small compared to the amount of x-rays one is exposed to in a year.. the thing with dental x-rays is that the exposure is concentrated over milliseconds, which could possibly overwhelm one's DNA-repair proteins during the same period of time. And then... there's http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20120410/dental-x-rays-linked-brain-tumors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Pomerleau Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Alex, My (Pittsburgh) dentist always asks me if its ok to do x-rays, and in order to avoid unnecessary x-ray exposure I typically decline unless there is some clearly identified need - e.g. tooth pain or visible decay, which for me is quite rare. My dentist is happy to comply with my wishes. The first time I planned to decline an x-ray, I printed out an article like this one from the FDA/ADA, which basically says that for adults without signs of cavities, dental x-rays aren't necessary or beneficial more frequently than once every 2-3 years. But I have a long history with my current dentist. For new patients, the guidelines suggest getting a set of x-rays done for initial evaluation. So that may be why all the dentists you've called say they would do x-rays on your first visit. What you should ask the dentists you call what their policy is for x-rays in checkups after your initial visit. One set of bitewing x-rays isn't going to kill you, and may even identify locations of decay that you aren't aware of. --Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex K Chen Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Thanks so much for your response and personal story! The thing is.. that I'm highly mobile (moving around a lot) right now, so I might end up being a new patient at a lot of places (especially because Groupon coupons seem to give discounts to people who are first-timers - and I don't have dental insurance at the moment). I should ask them if it's okay to use records that are up to 2-3 years old, but I'm not sure how successful the request will be.. (this is a decision I'm really struggling with right now...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewab Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 I've never had a problem telling a dentist, no thanks. And then they just don't do it. I've never had a single cavity though and seem to have always had good dental health. If I had a nagging pain or something, I would consider getting it done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlPater Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 If we start talking things like CT scans, but pooh-pooh to low dose radiation. Consider hormesis. It is from the dental profession, but it serves to support hormesis' effects of low-dose radiation: http://16miledental.com/dental_x-ray-oakville/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 Well said, Al! P.S.: Hope to meet you for the first time at CR IX! -- Saul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex K Chen Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Sigh, so I got impulsive and finally agreed to a panoramic x-ray (not having had any cleanings in ~2 years). they took 20 x-rays..... and identified one region (molar-3) as having a developing cavity. Which means more bitewing x-rays to monitor that cavity each and every time I get a cleaning..... Gum-recession wise, a lot of 4-3-4, especially around the back molars. Recession around front teeth is much milder... == btw.. just in case.. what percent of dentists offer composite tooth fillings, as compared to dental amalgams? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordo Posted January 21, 2017 Report Share Posted January 21, 2017 For what it's worth, the new digital x-ray machines some dentists are using, have about 1/10th the radiation exposure compared to the "old school" machines. If your dentist isn't using modern equipment, I'd get a new dentist. That said, they are always trying to x-ray me, and I am always refusing, but they have gotten me twice in the last 10 years ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caplitres84 Posted November 26, 2018 Report Share Posted November 26, 2018 Uh! That’s a trick question. I am going for my dental treatment this week. I will ask my dentist Torrance about it. He surely has a nice and a little x-ray machine. The day I saw it I was surprised because it is very little and did pretty well with the x-ray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 26, 2018 Report Share Posted November 26, 2018 I think the benefits of occasionally getting some bitewing x rays probably outweighs the harm in my opinion. Cavities and hidden infections can cause many problems themselves, which I'd be more concerned about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Posted November 27, 2018 Report Share Posted November 27, 2018 I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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