Radiographs, or X-rays as they are commonly termed, are a diagnostic tool meant to aide in diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Dave follows strictly the guidelines set forth by the AAPD that radiographs should be taken only when there is expectation that the diagnostic yield will affect patient care*. The interval for prescribing radiographs is dependent on both the type of dental encounter (ie new patient versus recall patient) and patient age and dental developmental stage. Radiation exposure is measured in units called millirems (mrems)^. The estimated radiation exposure living on the Atlantic Coast between 0-1000 feet above sea level is 43 mrems with another 240 mrems from food, air as compared to someone living in Denver where radiation exposure is 5280 mrems^. For each hour of travel by “Jet Plane” radiation exposure is measured at .5 mrems and equal to a dental bitewing radiograph^.
1 mrem=0.01 mSv
14.2 mSv Panoramic Digital Radiograph
2 mSv single Periapical Radiograph
5 mSv four Bitewing Radiographs
*AAPD Reference Manual, Best Practices. V 40/ No 6 pgs 213-215
https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_Radiographs.pdf
^ANS.org
https://www.ans.org/pi/resources/dosechart/
https://www.nuclearconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Radiation-Dose-Chart_web.pdf
