Information For Patients
The Truth About Radiation
"Radiation is a form of energy that is a part of our everyday lives. All of us receive a "dost" of radiation each day. Most of the dose comes from naturally occurring radioactive materials such as uranium, thorium, radon, and certain forms of potassium and carbon. The air we breathe contains radon, the food we eat contains uranium and thorium from the soil, and our bodies contain radioactive forms of potassium and carbon. Cosmic radiation from the sun also contributes to our natural radiation dose."
"We also receive radiation doses from man-made sources such as X-rays, nuclear medical procedures, power plants, smoke detectors, and older television sets. Some people, such as nuclear plant operators, flight crews, and nuclear medicine staff may also receive an occupational radiation dose."
US Department of Energy, 2009
What Is The Green Zone And How Does Tru-Align Make Us Safer?
The Green Zone is a dental office that uses Tru-Align technology to reduce dental x-ray radiation by up to five-fold.
Think of your garden hose. You can set it to spray and scatter water or to shoot a narrow, steady stream. Some x-ray systems "spray" radiation in an attempt to get all the image the dentist wants for diagnosis. But if the dentist utilizes the Tru-Align, it reduces that scatter radiation and reduces your exposure to radiation.
You will see the Tru-Align when you are in the chair and ready for your x-rays. It is on the x-ray head and has that tell-tale green ring, the symbol of The Green Zone. You can ask your hygienist or doctor any questions you have about it.
Actually, the Tru-Align has a few more benefits. Because it focuses the radiation and aligns the x-ray, your dentist will get better x-rays and thus reduce the need for retakes. Also, Tru-Align provides clearer, better defined images which enable your dentist to better diagnose your level of oral health. And, of course, there is the added benefit to the environment. Less radiation, in the long run, benefits us all - you, your family, the dentist and staff, and the environment.
Welcome to The Green Zone, a safer area provided by your dentist's commitment to using as little radiation as needed.
What Am I Supposed To Do? How Can I Protect Myself And My Family?
It is impossible to eliminate all radiation from our lives. Our health, much like our works, depends on what we do to reduce our exposure
First, we should not be so alarmed that we become paranoid about all possible sources of radiation. Nor should we believe every alarming story we hear about radiation. We should, however, educate ourselves about the existence of radiation in our lives, educate ourselves about the risks, and educate ourselves about the ways we can control and even reduce our exposure to radiation.
One sure way to reduce your exposure to radiation is to make sure your dentist gives you and your family the lowest reasonable amount of radiation through x-rays. Here are some facts relative to dental radiation:
- Ordinarily a dentist needs to give x-rays in order to diagnose your oral health.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The US Food and Drug Administration, The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement, and The American Dental Association all have issued guidelines and recommendations to dentists for reducing radiation.
- Dentists are encouraged to use the ALARA PRINCIPLE when giving x-rays. It stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable".
HOWEVER, not all dentists use all reasonable means to deliver the least amount of radiation when taking x-rays. Only Green Zone dentists are using Tru-Align technology to reduce your exposure to radiation.
Personal And Environmental Safety Is Important To Your Neighbors
When talking with your friends, you might mention to them our commitment to safety and suggest they contact us if their dentist is not a Green Zone dentist.
Tell them that we are committed to giving a reduced amount of radiation in every x-ray we take - for children and adults. Tell them we have invented a new, affordable technology that guarantees reduced radiation, the Tru-Align.
We appreciate your spreading the word about Green Zone dentists.
Is Your Dentist A Green Zone Dentist?
If your dentist is not already using Tru-Align to lower radiation exposure, he or she may not know about it. Let us know how to contact your dentist, and we'll send them the information they need to become a Green Zone dentist.
