Digital X-Ray or somesuch? Anyone know what my dentist is talking about?

[Outofmymindyo]

Ok, so I went and had my teeth cleaned today (minus the flouride) and the dentist I saw was concerned because a tooth that I've had two previous root canals done on was causing pain to my mouth. He recommended that I contact another office here on-base because they have a digital x-ray that is safer than the traditional x-ray method or somesuch and I'm just wondering what exactly he's on about.

The reason he's concerned is because the SECOND root canal was for an abscess that would have gone completely un-noticed had the military not required my teeth be "certified" to PCS overseas, so when they did the x-ray for that (before I was pregnant) they found the abscess and told me I needed to have it out within the two weeks following because of the seriousness of it.

So the reason I'm posting is because Monday I'll be 30 weeks, and I want to know whether you moms think it can wait, or because I didn't feel pain with the abscess but I am having pain NOW if you gals think it would be smarter for me to get the "digital" x-ray they want to do to find out exactly what's going on since an infection in the gums can lead to the infection traveling to the heart through the bloodstream.

Anyway, if there's anything I've miscommunicated here and someone needs more info from me, please let me know. I would just rather get some other opinions from those who may be more informed than I.

Thanks very much everyone!

[Christine&men]

I never heard of digital x-rays but this company claims to be lower in radiation: http://www.lightyeardirect.com/products/overview.html (under patient care it says less radiation)

And this is from WebMD

"Some dentists are using a new technique called digital radiography. This technique positions an electronic sensor (instead of X-ray film) at the area to be examined. An electronic image is then taken and stored in a computer. This image can be viewed almost immediately on a computer screen. Less radiation is needed to produce an image with digital radiography than with standard dental X-rays."

To see the whole article go to
http://www.webmd.com/hw/dental/hw211991.asp
it's at the bottom of the page.

But if it causes pain I think you should get it fixed?! Just maybe not use the amalgam (because of the mercury) but the white filling (if that is possible with a root canal). And definitely wear the lead apron (or two?).

Good Luck.

[boscopup]

I would probably go with the digital x-ray, given the risk of something really bad happening if it is an abcess. I think the risk caused by the dental problem probably outweighs the risk of the x-ray. Also, seems like later term x-rays are probably not as bad as earlier ones. I don't know how late is "safer"... In dogs, breeders often x-ray really close to the due date to find out how many puppies are there so they know if one has gotten stuck (ie, mom could die if she doesn't get some help). They don't use ultrasounds for that usually because the x-ray is more accurate about counting puppies. They wouldn't use x-rays on the dogs earlier in pregnancies, due to the risk, but really late like that, there is apparently not nearly as high a risk.

I know, you're not a dog. :lol But just throwing out some info. :)

Anyway, I agree with PP - just put like 2 lead aprons over the belly area. Since you're getting a MOUTH x-ray, it shouldn't affect the baby anyway if your belly is well shielded. And dental infections are a serious matter - both to you and the baby.

[JBaxter]

When I was working as a Dental Hygienist the office has switched to digital xrays and there was hardly ANY difference in the setting on the machine for standard vs digital. It depends on the equipment and the sensors on how much radiation you need to use. I did take a few xrays on pregnant women in my 17yr career but only in the 3rd trimester and I would use 2 lead aprons ( on on the back and one on the front) and ONLY one xray if the woman was in pain. Hope you can hang on until delivery.

[LeosMama]

X-Ray radiation dissipates from the body pretty quickly. You can take a lot of extra anti-oxidants to help speed along the radiation loss and prevent the short-term damage it causes.

[Outofmymindyo]

Thanks for the posts mommas. I was just concerned because I was going to wait until after she's born to get anything done, but he seemed pretty concerned that after 2 root canals this thing is still causing me pain. Especially since the abscess wasn't noticed until I happened to need x-rays before the military would clear me to move to Japan with DH.

I figured it was better to do it in the last trimester, so I'm guessing that's why he wants to do it, since I've only got 10 weeks left. I'm just not sure what they're going to do once they know what's going on since I am pregnant, but maybe the x-ray can tell them whether it can wait until after delivery to perform any necessary surgery or such.

Thanks again.

[jenny-g]

Thanks for the posts mommas. I was just concerned because I was going to wait until after she's born to get anything done, but he seemed pretty concerned that after 2 root canals this thing is still causing me pain. Especially since the abscess wasn't noticed until I happened to need x-rays before the military would clear me to move to Japan with DH.

I figured it was better to do it in the last trimester, so I'm guessing that's why he wants to do it, since I've only got 10 weeks left. I'm just not sure what they're going to do once they know what's going on since I am pregnant, but maybe the x-ray can tell them whether it can wait until after delivery to perform any necessary surgery or such.

Thanks again.

It's probably a good idea, as if you have an infection, THAT can be really bad for the baby. You can get put on pregancy-safe antibiotics at least, and then get surgery after the birth... that might be a decent option. Teeth can be scary. Good luck! I had to have a root canal redone, and learned that dentists are simply *not trained, nor have the equipment to handle* root canals in molars. You must see a true endodontist. It makes all the difference.. I hope you don't have to have it done again!

[dlm194]

I had a root canal done in my second trimester. The endodontist did digital x-rays. He didn't tell me that it was less radiation than a traditional x-ray but he did say that I was getting about as much radiation as I would get after standing in front of a microwave for 1 minute.