Dental X Rays Health Article

Operation

William Roentgen, a German scientist, discovered the x ray in 1895. He found that x rays are energy in the form of waves, similar to visible light. The only difference between light and x rays is that light does not have the ability to penetrate the body as x ray energy does. Light makes pictures of the outside of objects, while x rays have the ability to make pictures of the inside of objects. The name roentgen represents the amount of

exposure given off by one single energy photon. The amount of absorbed x ray in the body is a unit called a rad. A unit called "rem" accounts for the difference in biological effectiveness of different types of radiation, such as secondary radiation, or cosmic radiation. One rem equals one rad. One rad equals one R and one thousand milliroentgens, more commonly known as mrad; it is equal to one roentgen (R).

Research conducted in 2000 by the Idaho Radiation Network sets a maximum permissible x ray dose for one year at 5R (roentgens). A full mouth set of dental x rays consists of 18 to 20 films (bitewings, periapicals, occlusalsm and panoramic x rays). The amount of radiation for receiving the full-mouth set of x rays is 10 to 20 mrads (milliroentgens). The benefits derived from x rays greatly outweigh the radiation concerns. In 1999, the National Council on Radiation Protection reported that the amount of radiation an average person receives each year from background sources (e.g., outer space, materials in the earth, foods consumed, and naturally radioactive materials in the body) is 360 mrads.

Secondary radiation consists of the radiation waves left over after the source of radiation is stopped. Most secondary waves can penetrate tissue and are the most dangerous and damaging waves from radiation. Measures taken to prevent damaging rays are:

• setting radiation exposure to lower settings depending on the patient's age, height, build and structure
• use of high-speed films to minimize exposure time
• use of lead-filled aprons to shield sensitive body parts, such as thyroid glands and gonads
• x ray badges worn by dental staff to monitor the amount of radiation exposure in the workplace

Maintenance

Dental x rays are essential in diagnosing and treating oral disease, abnormal tooth development, or trauma. At the initial dental examination, a full-mouth set of x rays may be taken (bitewings and panoramic). There after, it is the dentist who should determine when and how often x rays will be required. Children are usually more cavity prone than adults; x rays may be taken with regard to degree of risk, or at the check-up examination every six months.

An adult presenting a dental trauma will need x rays to diagnose what the treatment should be. More x rays may be needed depending on the treatment plan and the extent of the injury.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends basic guidelines on taking dental x rays. On average, bitewing x rays should be taken approximately once a year. This is mainly to detect and treat any conditions early in their development. If the overall general health of the mouth is good, x rays can be taken every 18 to 24 months. The ADA also recommends that the type and frequency of dental x rays taken at an examination be based upon clinical judgment after the examination and consideration of the dental health and the general health of the patient.

Health care team roles

A registered dental assistant (RDA) or registered dental hygienist (RDH) commonly takes the x rays during a dental examination. They review the health and dental history, chart, and age of the patient to be x rayed. Adjustments are made to the x-ray unit depending on the size and age of the patient. The RDA then develops and mounts the x rays and presents them to the dentist. The dentist will interpret the x rays and complete the oral examination. A treatment plan will follow.

Training

An RDA and an RDH must have an x-ray certification in order to take and develop x rays. To become certified, full-mouth sets of x rays need to be taken. Knowledge of the x-ray machine unit is needed, as is the number of roentgens emitted from a variety of different x-ray machines. Furthermore, a working knowledge of angles and height of the x-ray unit is needed; this is necessary for taking fine-detailed images. Certification also requires knowledge of the principles of radiation safety.

Classes leading to certification as an RDA or RDH are available outside the work setting. Each state has different

bylaws regarding x-ray licensing for technicians. The rules of the state in which one is interested in working should be consulted.