Dear Valued Patients,

As many of you may be aware, a recent report was released by a variety of news agencies linking dental x-rays with meningioma, a non-cancerous tumor of the brain. The study concluded that those patients who had excessive x-rays (in the mouth) had 1.4-1.9 greater incidence of meningioma.

The study has many imperfections, as admitted by the researchers and its applicability to dentistry today. The information was based on patient memory over 50+ years. They found that most patients greatly over-estimated how often they were receiving dental radiographs. Additionally, the types of x-ray systems used in decades past are very different from the x-rays utilized in this dental office. The use of the round x-ray columns in addition to the new digital x-rays (the type you are able to see on the screen in this office) cuts down radiation exposure from traditional x-rays by 90%.

I have always put my patient’s safety concerns and needs at the forefront of my practice philosophy. I assure you that I will continue to recommend intra-oral dental x-rays only when I think they are of a great benefit to you, the patient. Without dental x-rays, we are unable to accurately diagnose most dental problems; such as dental abscesses, fractures and periodontal disease. The goal of this office has always been minimal, conservative treatment. If I am able to diagnose dental problems in their early stages, hopefully, I can treat them more conservatively.

I value you as a patient and would like to continue to treat you to the highest standards as set forth by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Arizona Dental Association. If you have any concerns regarding the use of dental x-rays in the office or anything else that you would like to discuss with me, please feel free to sit down with me so that I may address your concerns.

Sincerely,

Aziz Bohra DDS