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CDR® (Computer
Dental Radiography) is a computerized imaging system
that utilizes an electronic sensor instead of X-ray
film. The sensors produce sharp and clear images that
appear almost instantly on a computer screen.
- Acquisition
of CDR images uses up to 90% less radiation than
conventional film X-rays.
- Detects early cavities or
sub surface lesions that are undiagnosed by conventional
examination methods
- Improves dentist and patient
confidence about treatment decisions
"But do I really need
a dental x-ray?"
If you think you can't afford x-rays this time around,
just think about whether you can afford to skip them... 
- In the United
States, 29,600 people will be diagnosed with oral
cancer in 1994 and 7,925 will die from it.
- In Arizona,
350 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in
1994 and 100 will die from it.
- Besides
tobacco consumption, drinking more than 3 oz. of
alcohol a day (2 beers per week) puts you at an
increased risk for oral cancer.
- About 1
of 2 people diagnosed with oral cancer will survive
5 years.
- In the early states, oral cancer
is usually not painful. This is the ideal time for
your dentist to identify it in the mouth or by x-ray.
Without regular dental x-rays, it's no surprise that
by the time it's detected, the cancer has grown,
perhaps spread, and survival rates drop.
- The American Cancer Society
recommends getting a dental examination every 6 months. Also,
according to the American Cancer Society: "Most
medical and dental x-rays are adjusted to deliver
the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image
quality.:
Dental X-Rays are the only way your dentist can see if
tumors are growing in your jaws and beneath the surface
of your gums.
Sources:
- Cancer Facts & Figures--1994. American
Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- Facts on Oral Cancer. American
Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- Oral Cancer: What
is Your Risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta,
GA
- Mashberg A. Samit AM. Early
Detection, Diagnosis, and Management of Oral and
Oropharyngeal Cancer. CA Cancer Journal
for Clinicians.
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