Question: I recently visited my dentist and was told that it was “time” for X-rays. The dentist even said he would not treat me if I didn’t get the X-rays because his malpractice insurance required them. Can you shed some light on this issue?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
Your experience is not that unusual. When my children were small, their dentist wanted to do X-rays and I always refused. But the dentist gladly continued to see them.
I really doubt that any malpractice insurance carrier requires dental X-rays. However, dentists make extra money doing X-rays, and that is often the motivation.
If it were me, I would have left his care. I would not trade the possibility of cancer of the oral cavity or tongue, or damage to my carotid arteries, just to make my dentist happy. These X-rays are also reflected into the brain and deep into the chest. In short, they do more harm than good.
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