Think back to the last time you visited the dentist – it should’ve been in the last few months if you’ve been staying on top of your oral hygiene game! That said, you might remember being required to wear a lead apron as your dentist took X-rays of your mouth. But did you know that recent research has shown that the use of these aprons on patients when conducting dental X-rays is no longer recommended? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Were Lead Aprons Once Necessary?
For several decades, it’s been popular practice to have patients wear a lead abdominal apron or thyroid collar during dental X-rays, which are an integral part of oral healthcare. It was believed that these bulky, often colorful aprons effectively shielded patients from potential radiation exposure. Simply put, the level of radiation was believed to be problematic, perhaps even cancerous, and much like how the rest of dentistry is approached, it was better to be safe than sorry.
What Has Changed?
The American Dental Association (ADA), one of the most reputable dental organizations around, recently announced that lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars are no longer recommended for patients during dental X-rays. This decision was influenced by extensive research and contributions from experts in the field, such as Dr. Alan Lurie, professor and chair of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at UConn School of Dental Medicine.
The shift away from lead aprons is rooted in the dramatic reduction of radiation doses in dental imaging over the last few decades. In the 1970s, a single intraoral film, which is the film inside of the X-ray machine that records images, exposed patients to approximately 10,000 micrograys of radiation. Today, that exposure has decreased dramatically – to about just 1 to 2 micrograys. This is a 5,000 to 10,000 times reduction! Such small doses mean that the risk of radiation-related complications is pretty negligible, which in turn means the extra shielding isn’t’ needed.
It might take some time for it to sink in, but the science is clear – lead aprons don’t make a difference, so the next time you’re at the dentist for X-rays, you can rest assured that one isn’t needed.
About the Practice
Dr. Brian Lavery Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients in the Mercerville, NJ, community for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services and beyond. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to schedule an appointment, please contact the office online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (609) 588-5600.