There are many dental procedures that people can be leery of but really shouldn’t have to worry about. Because a lot of health problems, such as heart health, can be linked to your overall oral health, people have concerns. We are here to put those concerns to ease and talk about dental dangers that aren’t dangerous.
The first danger we hear from concerned patients is that root canals are dangerous. Some people claim that this procedure increases the risk of disease. This concern derives from the belief that leaving a “dead” organ, like a root-canaled tooth, in the body damages the immune system. However, this has been thoroughly disproved, most recently by a 2013 oral cancer study that found not only no evidence of increased cancer but an actual decrease in cancer risk following root canal treatment.
The next dangerous dental concern we hear is that X-rays are hazardous. X-rays are important in the dental field. X-rays help us see any dental issues below the surface as well as detect any other dental issues in its early stages. The concern is that x-rays have high levels of radiation. Even so, many advise avoiding X-rays because, as a form of radiation, high levels could damage health. In actuality, we are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources. Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. We here at Ledbetter Family Dental Care in Ardmore and Wynnewood OK take the necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation when taking x-rays. These precautions include using a lead apron to protect your body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.
Have you heard that silver fillings are toxic? Well, they are not as dangerous as people claim. Silver fillings are known for their strength and stability and dentists have been using silver fillings for generations. The reason people think they are dangerous is because silver fillings include mercury, which has been linked to several health problems. However, research actually shows that there’s no cause for alarm. Many people think they should remove and replace silver fillings, but that is not the case. The type of mercury used in amalgam is different from the toxic kind and doesn’t pose a health danger.
The last danger we often hear our patients have concern for is that Fluoride is bad for your health and contributes to disease. Nothing has been more beneficial in dental care or more controversial than fluoride. Fluoride has nonetheless been associated with ailments like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Also, too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that permanently stains and pits the enamel of the teeth and if an extremely high dose of fluoride is ingested, it can cause death. As long as fluoride doesn’t exceed the EPA regulated 4mg/L, research suggests that the benefits outweigh the potential complications. And, numerous studies have failed to find any substantial disease link with fluoride except fluorosis,
Each of these supposed “dangers” plays a prominent role in preventing or minimizing dental disease. If you have a concern, please talk to us at your next appointment so that we can minimize your concerns. Schedule your appointment today!