Guidelines urge more judicious use of X-rays

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The American Dental Association (ADA) has updated its guidelines regarding dental X-rays, emphasizing that they should only be ordered when clinically necessary to reduce radiation exposure. “Dental X-rays are safe. In some cases, a dental X-ray delivers less radiation than a single day of the natural radiation we are all exposed to just by living in the world,” said lead guideline author Dr. Erika Benavides, a clinical professor of periodontics and oral medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. “Yet," she added, "It is important to follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle recognized in both dentistry and medicine to minimize exposure over a patient's lifetime and only order X-rays when clinically necessary.” The new guidelines suggest that dentists consider a patient's oral health, age, and symptoms before recommending X-rays. The guidelines also address specific scenarios for X-ray use, such as for cracked teeth and dental implants.