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Fetal lead shielding may not be necessary when taking dental radiographs of pregnant patients, according to a study from Finland. Using four different imaging modalities, researchers reported that the fetal dose levels without lead shielding were less than 1% of the annual dose limit for a member of the public. Read this article here.
The idea that fetal lead shielding may not be necessary has already drawn significant comment in our Forums. Our article on this study shows the practitioner's dilemma between best practices, patient communication, and the risk of possible litigation.
Also featured in the Imaging Community, in the latest column from two lawyers who spend every day defending dentists in litigation and before the licensing board, the case of a lower molar root canal therapy with inferior alveolar nerve injury is examined. Read their column here and find out what role radiographs -- or the lack of -- played in the case.
In business news, Dentsply International and Sirona Dental Systems announced a merger of the two companies on September 15. The merger, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016, will make Dentsply Sirona one of the largest manufacturers of professional dental products and technologies in the world. Read more here.
While dentists need to help patients over a lifetime, they also need to be aware that surprising findings from radiographs can sometimes lead to premature treatment, according to a presentation at Sirona Dental's Cerec 30 event. Read more here.
Advances in 3D imaging, instruments, materials, and growth factors in bone-grafting material have changed the way dentists decide between doing root canals or implants, according to a presentation by Dr. Mohamed Fayad at the California Dental Association's CDA Presents 2015 meeting. Read more here.
