Facts & Concerns

Are dental x-rays really necessary?

If you think you can't afford x-rays this time around, just think about whether you can afford to skip them...

In the United States, 28,900 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2002 and 7,400 will die from it.

Besides tobacco consumption, drinking more than 3 oz of alcohol a day (2 beers a week) puts you at an increased risk of oral cancer.

The 5 year survival rate is 54%; the 10 year is 39%

In the early stages, oral cancer is usually not painful. This is the ideal time for your dentist to identify it in the mouth by x-ray. Without regular dental x-rays, it's not surprise that by the time it is detected, the cancer has grown, perhaps spread, and survival rates drop.

The American Cancer Society recommends getting a dental examination every 6 months. If there is a concern of radiation exposure, according to the American Cancer Society: "Most medical and dental x-rays are adjusted to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality."

Dental x-ray are the only way your dentist can see if tumors are growing in your jaws and beneath the surface of your gums, and diagnose periodontal disease, endodontic abcess, etc.

.....................................................................

Source: Cancer Facts & Figures - 2002 American Cancer Society, Atlanta GA. Facts on Oral Cancer, What is Your Risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA. Oral Cancer: What is your risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA.