ADA Revises X-Ray Recommendations for Dental Professionals

Hi everyone!

Recently, the American Dental Association revised its x-ray recommendations in an effort to limit patient exposure to radiation. In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, guidelines were reviewed and updated accordingly and released this past December.

The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA) consulted with a number of dental radiology experts before sending the draft to be peer reviewed. The x-ray revisions were also reviewed by other organizations, such as the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors.

Published in a booklet available on their website at http://www.ada.org, this 27-page resource titled “Dental Radiograph Examinations: Recommendations for Patient Selection and Limiting Radiation Exposure,” is aimed at dental professionals, and is to be utilized along with their professional judgment as to the best application of diagnostic treatment for any given patient.

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Teeth Cleaning – a Heart Healthy Practice

By Dr Langberg

Hi everyone!

The amazing work that our dental hygienists at my Southfield dental office do is pivotal to how well we serve all the neighboring communities of Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Birmingham, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Bloomfield Twp., West Bloomfield and of course, Southfield, Michigan. Our hygienists are first-rate professionals and provide first class service that is a cornerstone in our practice. Not only do they clean teeth and treat gum disease, but these team members also are active in patient education and diagnostic services such as digital x-rays, periodontal (gum) charting, oral cancer screening, taking blood pressures, and thorough clinical examinations. They are competent and confident as well as personable and gentle, too – key reasons a visit to our dental office, Dr. Mark W. Langberg, DDS, MAGD, is a low-stress event and high value event. [Read more…]

Pneumonia and Oral Bacteria Linked

By Dr Langberg

Hi everyone!

Today’s blog speaks about the link that has been found between periodontal (gum) disease and an increased risk of respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Recent studies have concluded that bacteria in the mouth can colonize the lungs and contribute to pneumonia and other respiratory ailments. This is particularly true with nursing home residents and hospital patients who are using a respirator. Often oral hygiene is less than ideal in these settings, and oral bacteria flourish in the mouth.

A recent study out of Yale’s School of Medicine pinpointed bacterial changes in patients’ mouths prior to the onset of pneumonia. It’s believed that these harmful bacteria are directly inhaled into the lungs, where they set up shop – eventually leading to respiratory infections and even fatal pneumonia. In addition to pneumonia, the studies have revealed a direct connection between mortality from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and periodontal (gum) disease. [Read more…]

Dental X-Rays and your Thyroid

By Dr Langberg

dental-x-rays

Hi everyone!
It’s been one month since the magnitude 9 earthquake hit Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that set the stage for the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl’s meltdown in Ukraine in 1986. The seriousness of the Fukushima Daiichi crisis has raised questions about nuclear power, radiation and safety. Understandably, worries about radiation and its impact on human health have been in the forefront of everyone’s mind. We all are trying to grasp the gravity of the situation – trying to separate fact from fiction. Unfortunately, misinformation is prevalent. It’s even raising questions in my dental office about dental X-ray safety.

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