A medical specialty in which imaging is used for diagnosing and treating the diseases which are seen inside the body is called radiology. A variety of imaging techniques are used by radiologists these days like magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography etc. for diagnosis and treating the diseases. The X-rays are transmitted through the patient's body which produces the radiographs. The Dental radiography is popularly known as X-rays. Radiography is used by dentist mainly for finding dental structures that are hidden, cavities, loss of bones and benign masses.
Importance of the Radiographs in the Dental Field
Various types of X-rays are used by dentists to diagnose various problems in the teeth, jaw and mouth. These X-rays use very small amount of radiation. Most common X-rays that are used are:
The upper and lower back teeth and how they touch each other are viewed by the Bitewing X-ray which helps in checking the decay between the teeth. The line up between lower and upper teeth and bone loss in case the severe dental infection is present is also indicated by this X-ray. The picture of the entire tooth and finding dental problems like tumors, cysts, impacted teeth is done with the help of Periapical X-rays. Occlusion X-rays help in finding the extra teeth and a cleft in the mouth's roof, they are also used to find any foreign object.
Thus, Dental X-rays are very beneficial in finding the various problems of teeth and jaws by looking at the dental structure.
Harmful effects of Radiation
Radiation has many harmful effects on the human body as defined below:
When the human body is exposed to radiations at 200 rems or higher, the loss of hair is quick and in clumps. On exposure to radiations at 5000 rems or above, the brain cells get damaged. Radiations can also kill small blood vessels and nerve cells which can result in immediate death or seizures. Radioactive Iodine has very strong impact on the thyroid gland and can destroy all or some parts of the gland. On exposure to radiations, the lymphocyte cell count in the blood is reduced which makes the victim more prone to infections. The symptoms may persist for more than 10 years and increases the risk of lymphoma and leukemia. Intestinal tract on exposure to radiations is damaged which results in diarrhea, bloody vomiting, and nausea. The radiation starts destroying the cells that are divided rapidly and harms the RNA and DNA of the surviving cells. As the reproductive tract cells divide so rapidly, these areas are damaged on exposure to even mild radiations at 200 rems. The victims become sterile on long-term exposure to radiations.
Safety Precautions and Ways to Minimize Overexposure
Eating food that contains chlorophyll which helps in detoxifying blood, thus removing all the toxins from the body including radiations. Sea vegetables should be ingested that helps in providing protection against radioactive iodine that is found in dairy products. Bee Pollen should be used for protection against sickness caused by X-ray radiations. Overexposure to radiations can be minimized by following below-mentioned tips:
The wired headset should be worn for cell phones or speaker phone should be used.
Microwaves should not be used if they are tempered and there are any leakages.
Wired Ethernet should be used instead of Wi-Fi.
Radio clock should not be placed near head while sleeping.
Desktops should be used instead of laptops, if laptops are to be used, don't place them directly on your lap.
Natural lightning should be used as much as possible.
Sit far away from television screens.
In the case of X-rays and Gamma rays, lead apron and lead collar should be used to protect various body parts.
References
atomicarchive.com. (2015). Effects of Radiation on the Human Body. Retrieved from http://www.atomicarchive.com: http://www.atomicarchive.com/Effects/radeffects.shtml
Radiological Society of North America. (2011). Radiology, Volume 74, Part 2. New York: Radiological Society of North America.
webmd.com. (2014, November 14). Dental X-Rays. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays
