David Stock

Dr. David Stock

Results from a new study have people talking about dental x-rays.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Cancer Society, found that having yearly bite-wing and panorex x-rays increased a person's risk of developing a type of brain tumor called meningioma.

Doctor David Stock from Anchor Dental Group in Swift Current says dental x-rays are still important: "The risks associated with periodontal disease are far greater than the risks associated with meningioma, and of course things like heart disease kill a lot of people every year. I would still say it's a good idea to get the x-rays you need and of course we aren't going to do anymore than we have to."

The study found people that got a yearly panorex exam were three times as likely to develop the tumor and people who had yearly bite-wing x-rays were at between 40 to 90% higher risk.

"As far as dental x-rays go the risk is extremely low," Stock said. "Most of us have switched to digital x-rays now which is a very low dose of radiation. The study they're talking about people are getting more x-rays than we would usually do in our office."

Stock says they usually only conduct panorex x-rays every 5 years.

Interview with Dr. David Stock:


Click here to see a story about the study

Click here to see a Canadian response