The digital world in dentistry

The digital world of dentistry has arrived, and it brings to you a healthier view of yourself.

by Dr. Nicholas Meyers — 

In a prior article, I wrote about the value of dental x-rays (radiographs). They are indispensable to any dentist, whether holistic or not. There are understandable concerns over dose exposure and their effects on our bodies, but certain homeopathic remedies can be used to help mitigate any deleterious effects of the ionizing radiation. The one we use in my office is from BHI HEEL of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is called Body Pure.

Body Pure has many imprinted preparations in a single tablet. It is generally recognized as an environmental detoxicant. Specific to x-rays, one of its components is called x-ray 12x. The listed conditions for x-ray 12x are dry skin, nausea and vomiting — typical consequences of x-ray exposure. You may realize, however, these symptoms can also be due to other issues.

As a consumer, you can help yourself by seeking out those practitioners who use digital radiographs or very high-speed films and have some form of homeopathic remedy available. Both x-ray types are readily available in the small-tooth version.

It is a bit harder to find in the larger format images, i.e., 8” x 10” or so. In this size, there are not many options for limiting the dose. With respect to current technology, you can ask your doctor if the panoramic imaging equipment they are using has a “rare earth intensifying screen.” This screen allows for a significantly reduced dose by holding the electron on the film for a little longer than usual. By keeping the impulse next to the film, the image can be made with a lower dose. Another suggestion is to seek out only those practitioners who are using modern digital equipment. They are accessible in our community, but there are fewer of them, so your search may be a bit more difficult.

Often the local dental x-ray lab will have the most modern equipment. These labs can take your images and forward them to your doctor, on request; however, a prescription is needed for this service. These dental labs will also offer other services, such as virtual cosmetic imaging makeovers. They allow you to see how your smile could look prior to embarking on a course of treatment aimed at changing it.

The digital world of dentistry has arrived, and it brings to you a healthier view of yourself. Future articles will feature other advanced technologies occurring in dentistry.

Nicholas Meyer, D.D.S., is a general dentist in Scottsdale, Ariz., with a special interest in the functional aspects of the oral cavity that contribute to such maladies as TMJ, snoring and sleep apnea. 480-948-0560 or www.milldental.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 27, Number 1, February/March 2008.