- When taking an xray with the digital xray system that the Clinic uses, each xray exposes a patient to the equivalent radiation of about ten minutes of summer sun.
- Xrays are the only way to diagnose some dental decay, oral cancers and other oral health problems. They are an essential part of some dental treatments such as root canal therapy.
If you think you can’t afford x-rays and a dental exam this time around, just think about whether you can afford to skip them…
- In the United States, 29,600 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and 7,925 will die from it. In Washington, 350 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and 100 will die from it.
- Besides tobacco consumption, drinking more than 3 oz. of alcohol a day (2 beers per week) puts you at an increased risk for oral cancer.
- About 1 of 2 people diagnosed with oral cancer will survive 5 years. Dr Fred has played a role in diagnosis of several cases of tumorous growths in his patients. Xrays helped that process.
- In the early states, oral cancer is usually not painful. This is the ideal time for your dentist to identify it in the mouth or by x-ray. Without regular dental x-rays, it’s no surprise that by the time it’s detected, the cancer has grown, perhaps spread, and survival rates drop.
- The American Cancer Society recommends getting a dental examination every 6 months. Also, 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-Rays are the only way your dentist can see if tumors are growing in your jaws and beneath the surface of your gums.
Sources:
- Cancer Facts & Figures—1994. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- Facts on Oral Cancer. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- ‘-Oral Cancer: What is Your Risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
Mashberg A. Samit AM. Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Management of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer. CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians.-‘