Los Angeles Dental Care – Link between dental x-rays and brain tumors

Los Angeles Dental Care

A study recently published in the journal Cancer shows that people who have had dental X-rays are more likely to develop a type of brain tumor called meningioma than those who have not.

This does not prove that dental X-rays cause tumors. But it supports previous research about the connection. But there’s still significant doubt about the existence of any direct relationship between meningioma and dental X-rays, and dental professionals were quick to call for more research, saying the study was less than perfect.

Dr. Louie, your Los Angeles dentist feels that media has hyped up this issue in regards to dental x-rays and brain tumors. Looking at the facts, there is no concrete evidence connecting the two according to him.

Further morethe American Dental Association recommends that dentists be judicious in their use of X-rays. For patients whose teeth are healthy and who are not at increased risk of developing cavities, the ADA suggests children have X-rays about every one to two years; adolescents, every year and a half to three years; and adults, every two to three years.

In a statement, the ADA noted the study’s potential flaws and encouraged further research: “[T]he results rely on the individuals’ memories of having dental x-rays taken years earlier. Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is often imperfect. . . . Also, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental x-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater. Radiation rates were higher in the past due to the use of old x-ray technology and slower speed film.”

Our Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Shervin Louie offers one of the latest technological advances in digital x-rays. A sensor is placed in the mouth and a computer generates an image in 5 seconds, as opposed to the general 4- to 6-minute wait time for images taken on dental film. These x-rays may also be enhanced and/or enlarged on the computer.

Not only are these x-rays friendly to the environment, they are much safer than traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by more than 90 percent.

The office of Dr. Shervin Louie, your Los Angeles Larchmont Village Dentist is equipt with digital x-ray units.