Heavy lead aprons traditionally used for dental X-ray protection are now considered obsolete, according to recent studies by professionals from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. These experts conclude that due to advances in X-ray technology, external radiation scatter risks have significantly diminished, rendering the usage of lead aprons redundant, as per CBS News.
In the past seven decades, heavy lead aprons have been instrumental in reducing auxiliary radiation exposure during dental X-rays that are commonly used to diagnose tooth decay, bone and gum diseases, infections, and tumors. The introduction of safer X-ray methods, however, has lessened the need for such additional protection, according to WebMD.
Aruna Ramesh, DMD and associate dean for academic affairs at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, pointed out in a WebMD article that multiple scientific research sources have concluded that lead aprons, including thyroid collars, provide no extra benefits to patients. The studies also found that radiation exposure needs to be scaled up by 10,000 to 30,000 times to potentially endanger fetuses during pregnancy.
Even after these findings, removing the use of lead aprons may not be instant. Dental patients are known to sense a form of protection with the aprons, effectively making removing their use a psychological hurdle, a point made by Hugo Campos, DMD, DDS, a professor and oral and maxillofacial radiology director at Tufts University, as per CBS News.
A lingering factor that delays the phasing out process is the requirement by certain states for the usage of the aprons. Challenging the policy and making the necessary changes will be a slow process. The study also found wearing these aprons potentially leads to higher radiation levels due to interference with clear image acquisition, which might compel practitioners to redo the X-ray, resulting in double exposure.
