I have been reading alot about new digital dental xrays, they seem to have less radiation exposure than the old film xrays. Should I be looking for a dentist with this technology? I seem to have many dental problems since my first surgery one involves my now very narrow larynx due to my neck dissection which makes me a difficult intabation and every procedure I have now seems to break a tooth which then requires another xray. Am I getting paranoid or is this a valid concern? Any opinions?

The amount of x-radiation from getting a set (4) bitewings is about the same as the background radiation from a round trip, coast to coast, airplane flight.

See these 2 sites to learn more about diagnostic radiation and the risks and benefits"

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray&bhcp=1

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/xrays_faq.asp#4

Adele,
Less radiation is always better as radiation absorption is cumulative over a lifespan. The amount of radiation you recieve from dental x-rays is low in comparison to other types of x-rays. Check out the sites Gary has posted, I did, and they are accurate.
Digital dental x-ray sytems do allow for lower dosages of radiation to achieve the same diagnostic detail on the films produced. The previous statement is only true if the x-ray machines are properly callibrated for the digital system being used.
I use digital x-ray technology in my office for all intra and extra oral x-rays. I have had my machines calibrated by the company that I purchased the technology from and have them check my machines regularly. I know that I am using much less radiation per film than I was previously. Testing is only voluntary in my region.
I am aware of offices in my region who utilize digital x-ray technology and have not been tested. If a technician didn't callibrate the source at the x-ray machine these offices may or may not be using less radiation even with digital x-rays.
My best advice if you are concerned about radiation from dental x-rays would be to talk to your dentist. Not a week goes by where I am not questioned about the necessity of x-rays. I am more than happy to provide information and answer any questions.
If you like your dentist and value his/her expertise and skill; changing because they don't have digital x-rays, in my opinion, will not be of benefit. The x-rays denists take, whether digital or not, provide important iformation that is essential in diagnosing and treatment planning. If after discussion and providing up to date information on why I belive x-rays are necessary a patient still refuses I do not treat them. (I have one and only one exception to the above; if the patient is or has had radiation treatment and is getting close to or has reached their recommended lifetime dosage I will agree, after consulting their RO, to look after them).
Anyway...I'm way off your the topic of your question...sorry.

The change in dosage of radiation between digital and conventional dental x-rays, in my opinion, is not a good reason to change dentists.

Cheers,

Mike

The listed xray dose for a dental x ray is with 0.04 mSV really minuscule. For example those who received IMRT got typically around 66 Gray of radiation. To get the equivalent dose (SV) this is multiplied by Q(=1) and N(tissue specific ca 0.05) which gives you 3300 mSv.
If anything I am worried about the long term effect of the IMRT (or even CT scans)... but not a dental xray.

M

Thank you all! Wonderful information and very much appreciated!
Adele

I have to admit that I chuckle a little bit when they put that lead apron on me after being exposed to almost 70 Gy of ionizing radiation - but then it is the correct protocol for "As Low As Resaonably Acheiveable (ALARA principle).
I might mention also that with the old film dental x-rays sometimes I had to have them repeated because of anomolies, motion srtifacts, or film processing issues, etc. so that has to factor into radiation exposure as well. My dentist updated to digital xrays a while back and the image quality is superb.

Film x-rays are all but a dead technology - much like 8 tracks.

With the exception of my annual chest x-ray, all of my other follow-up scans are MRI's.

Gary,
I would have to say that since I changed to digital I have had less retakes due to unclear and/or undiagnostic films.
When you are done with it I would like my Bee Gee's 8 track back. (Sorry, i couldn't resist)

Cheers,

mike