Digital X-rays at Dakota Dental Reduce Patient Exposure to Radiation

APPLE VALLEY, MN, February 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) A controversial study published nearly a year ago in the peer-reviewed journal, Cancer, stated that Dental X-rays may increase the risk of brain tumors. A top news story in early 2012, this information was quickly challenged by medical professionals and even the American Dental Association.

Apparently Dr. Elizabeth Clause, lead author and a professor at Yale School of Medicine, and a team of researchers relied solely on study participants' memories of dental care for "facts." The researchers did not consult legitimate dental records. Therefore, their study was called into question and their findings were discounted. Later, the ADA released a statement explaining how dental patients are exposed to minimal radiation yet encouraging dentists to use fast X-ray films or digital X-rays.

Dakota Dental's dentists in Apple Valley, had already proactively switched to using digital X-rays - a full six years before this study was published and the ADA issued its response. Dr. Bennett Isabella, a member of the Dakota Dental Apple Valley family dentistry dental care team, cites several reasons for this decision.

"Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays," said Dr. Isabella. "Other reasons for the change to digital X-rays at Dakota Dental include improved timeliness and accuracy. Additionally, digital X-rays are more environmentally friendly."

Studies indicate digital dental X-rays cut the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to by 80 to 90 percent. Because the electronic sensor used to capture the images is very sensitive, the digital X-rays reveal a deeper level of detail and the images are instant. There is no waiting for traditional film to develop.

By using digital X-ray technology, the family dentists at Dakota Dental believe that they are making dental services safer and more convenient for their patients. In addition, they take full precautions to limit dental care patients' exposure to any radiation, including using lead aprons and thyroid guards and using digital X-rays only when necessary.

Dakota Dental invites anyone interested in experiencing the benefits of digital dental X-rays to contact the Apple Valley dental center. Dakota Dental provides general dental services, dentistry for kids, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency dentistry.

Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
http://www.dakotadental.com